2ndrevisionpaternalabsence.docx

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education CHAPTER I The Problem and its Background Introduction Over the past fifty years, modern families have been indelibly altered by dramatic increases in the prevalence of non-marital childbearing, divorce, and remarriage. In many countries around the world, nearly four in ten births are to unmarried women and the fraction of children under age 18 living in mother-only families has risen tremendously 2010 (Ventura 2009). This dramatic trend toward father-absent families is happening in most countries around the world and has focused the attention of policy makers and researchers alike on the important role that fathers play in child and adolescent development. Fathers have finally arrived, so to speak. They are no longer the "forgotten parent" as called by Lamb. They are now the object of many a study in academic circles and received much attention from media. This is reflective of the recognition of the important role fathers play in the rearing of children. Father absence is a term that is not well defined and much of the literature does not discriminate between father absence due to death, parental relationship discord or other causes. This article presents a critical review of the extant literature on father absence, particularly as it relates to adolescent well-being and development. Findings from the literature point to the importance of father presence in children's lives and suggest that father absence has ramifications for children and adolescents. The conclusions drawn from this literature review suggest that father absence and its effects on children and families is an area for further research, with the

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education view of developing strategies to ameliorate the impact of father absence on children and adolescents. (Leah East, Debra Jackson and Louise O`Brien 2006). Education is essential in this area. The Philippines which was a pre-dominantly patriarchal society would label shame in stay-at-home dads. The government should address this issue through dialogues and support groups. The church and NGOs can provide great manpower and resources on these. Aside from that, educating the people with the important role of a father must start early on—in school. If families fail to address such need, the government should mandate educational sector to make students aware of their need of fathering and the unconscious effects of lack thereof. The government then has to reinforce the need by promoting model fathers and their family; advocating mentoring from able fathers and providing avenue and resources for people to have an environment where fathers are lauded, appreciated and supported.

This study aims to find out the effects of paternal absence to the behavior of adolescent learners. Particularly, the researchers sought to find how paternal absence affects the relationship of the adolescent learners to their family and peers as well as their emotional well-being. Finally, if accounting to the extent of paternal absence will help to further understand the behavior of the adolescent learners towards education. Statement of the Problem This study aims to find out the effects of paternal absence to the behavior of adolescent learners in Nueva Ecija. Particularly, it sought to find the answers in the following questions: 2

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education 1. How may the respondents’ profile be described in terms of: a. Age b. Sex c. Educational Attainment 2. How does paternal absence affect the relationship of adolescent learners to their family and peers? 3. How does paternal absence affect the adolescent learners’ emotions? 4. What are the lessons learned of the adolescent learners from paternal absence? Significance of the Study Understanding the effects of Paternal Absence to the Adolescents’ behavior towards education is critical because the decision whether to pursue learning or not is always dependent in the hands of the person, himself. Also, it is of great significance to the following: 

To the Adolescent Learners This study may help them to be aware of the possible effects of paternal absence not only to their behavior towards education but also to their life as a whole. It will also help them to better understand and appreciate the importance of having a complete family. This study can serve as their basis to have the knowledge of the possible outcomes not having a father in their lives, how it will change their lives and its effect on their daily behavior.



To the Parents This study will serve as an awareness for them to monitor the behavioral changes of their children’s life because of paternal absence. It will help them to be knowledgeable 3

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education of the fact that parents have a very important role in raising their children because they are the foundation of their children’s life.



To the Teachers This study will serve as the teacher’s basis to identify the possible issues of the students in their school performance. This study can help the teacher be aware about the possible reason why students who experience paternal absence are sometimes having behavioral issues. Through this study, the teacher will be able to come up with strategies on how to deal with student who experiences paternal absence and think of ways on how to encourage them to perform well in school or classroom discussion.



To the future Researchers This study will serve as a guide and reference to the future researchers who will be doing a research about paternal absence or its effect to the adolescents’ behavior.

Scope and Delimitation This study entitled “The effects of Paternal Absence to the Behavior Adolescent Learners’ towards Education” was delimited to the purpose of understanding the effects of paternal absence to the selected adolescents in Nueva Ecija. The respondents of this study was chosen and selected by referral. Some of them were friends and relatives of the researchers. In order to protect the identity of the respondents, the researchers created a written consent that was signed by the respondents.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The respondents were interviewed using an interview guide. The interview was conducted in the chosen place of each respondent so that they were comfortably answered each question. The study was conducted on May 2017 and enhanced during weekends and available time of the researchers. Conceptual Framework Fathers' involvement with their children is linked to higher academic achievement, improved social and emotional well-being, and a lower incidence of delinquency, risk taking, and other problem behaviors. However, it appears to be the quality rather than the frequency of fathers' interaction with their children that matters. (Bronte-Tinkew et al. 2006). Fatherlessness is one of the most overlooked areas in the web of our society’s problems. Fatherlessness behaves like an undetected tumor that has been causing grave repercussions to the life of a child and eventually to the country as a whole. Fatherlessness is the early stages of the cancer of the society. It has been a long-time neglected problem, and the society is just dealing with its full-blown effects. The fact that fatherlessness is not readily being dealt with is because it is not identified as a problem but it has become a lifestyle (Macasinag, 2011). The concept of fatherhood from a young child's perspective is fairly unambiguous. In contrast, the myriad of possible relationships from the perspective of a parent is far more complex. At one extreme, there may be a short-term relationship that results in a pregnancy and birth. In such cases, the linkage between the child and father may range from being non-existent to being fairly extensive, with many fathers maintaining continuing contact with the child even

5

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education though they may never be in residence with the child. Having a strong link with a nonresident father, as we will show, is not very unusual, among families.

In the Philippines, Education is essential in this area. The Philippines which was a predominantly patriarchal society would label shame in stay-at-home dads. The government should address this issue through dialogues and support groups. The church and NGOs can provide great manpower and resources on these. Aside from that, educating the people with the important role of a father must start early on—in school. If families fail to address such need, the government should mandate educational sector to make students aware of their need of fathering and the unconscious effects of lack thereof. The government then has to reinforce the need by promoting model fathers and their family; advocating mentoring from able fathers and providing avenue and resources for people to have an environment where fathers are lauded, appreciated and supported.

The Filipino must first admit that fatherlessness is a problem that leads to a cycle of numerous problems in the society. Just like Jack Andraka, we must detect this cancer on its early stages. Quantitative studies done on this area are not documented or published, although experts recognize fatherlessness in the country, it has become an accepted occurrence rather than an alarming situation. Fatherlessness is an issue of the family in the first place, it must resolve within the family. All of Filipino people has to recognize and take part in this serious condition of the society, if at all to prevent furtherance of this to a bigger scale and harder to treat. As it is said, it takes a community to take a child. We all are part of that community and we have responsibility to raise a child.

6

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The impact of fatherlessness can still be inhibited if not stopped if we promote unification of families; providing support groups for fatherhood mentoring and educating our people early on with their need for fathers and their need to be fathers and support fathers. The government can only do so much; the rest would be in our hands. The government can provide policies, provisions, avenues and funding for such programs to promote fatherhood, but the real call would be in the unity of all the people of the country. First, we need to decide that we will value our family which could mean that we will not promote self-development at the expense of our children. This would also mean that we need to adjust our life-style, work and priorities to accommodate our children’s needs and see to it that they get the necessary parenting. Second, we must be pro-active in looking for the mentoring we needed and where our parents have failed to give. We must forgive them for wounding us and decide to turn the table for our children. This would be very hard task because for some of us admitting these and asking for help is shameful and is a sign of weakness. This is where we need God to change our hearts and perspectives. Unless we admit that we also have offended our parents, the cycle will go on. We need to break the chain. Lastly, we need to come together. We need to be proactive in promoting an environment of fatherhood by receiving and giving it to others and coming along those people whom we can journey with. We can help push the government to help provide this kind of program and environment and at the same time support those groups who are already taking part in the rehabilitation of family. We can be proactive in looking for practices that works best in other settings and countries and adjust it in our own contexts. Men, you are needed. We need you to show us the world as splendid place to journey with you, despite the craziness around us. Women, we need to move back a little bit from the limelight and make avenue for fathers to shine. It is time again for the community to raise a child in unity. 7

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education

Research Paradigm

INPUTS 1. RESPONDENTS’ PROFILE 2. EFFECTS OF PARENTAL ABSENCE TO THE BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENT LEARNERS TOWARDS EDUCATION

PROCESS

GATHERING AND ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION

OUTPUT

AWARENESS ON THE EFFECTS OF PATERNAL ABSENCE TO THE BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENT LEARNERS TOWARDS EDUCATION

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Definition of Terms

For the better understanding of the study, the following terms were defined operationally; and conceptually.

Absence – a state or condition in which something expected, wanted or looked for is not present or does not exist: a state or condition on which something is absent.

Adolescent – in the process of developing from a child into an adult.

Cohabitation – the state of living together and having a sexual relationship without being married.

Delinquency – failure in or neglect of duty or obligation; dereliction; default.

Indelibly – impossible to remove or forget, producing marks that cannot be erased.

Paternal Absence - the father of a child/children is not existing due to some reasons.

Patriarchal – relating to or characteristic of a system of society or governent controlled by men.

Peers – group of people with the same age or social group as someone else.

Reunification – restoration of political unity to a place or group, especially a divided territory.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education

CHAPTER 2 Review of Related Literature This chapter present and discuss the related literatures and studies about the effects of paternal absence to the behavior of the adolescent learners towards education.

Foreign Literatures

This systematic review aims to describe longitudinal evidence on the effects of father involvement on children's developmental outcomes. Father involvement was conceptualized as accessibility (cohabitation), engagement, responsibility or other complex measures of involvement. Both biological fathers and father figures were included. We searched all major databases from the first dates. Data on father involvement had to be generated at least 1 year before measuring offspring outcomes. N = 24 publications were included in the overview: 22 of these described positive effects of father involvement, whereof 16 studies had controlled for SES and 11 concerned the study population as a whole [five socio-economic status (SES)-controlled]. There is certain evidence that cohabitation with

the

mother

and

her

male

partner

is

associated

with

less

externalisingbehavioural problems. Active and regular engagement with the child predicts a range of positive outcomes, although no specific form of engagement has been shown to yield better outcomes than another. Father engagement seems to have differential effects on desirable 10

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education outcomes by reducing the frequency of behavioural problems in boys and psychological problems in young women, and enhancing cognitive development, while decreasing delinquency and economic disadvantage in low SES families. There is evidence to support the positive influence of father engagement on offspring social, behavioural and psychological outcomes. Although the literature only provides sufficient basis for engagement (direct interaction with the child) as the specific form of ‘effective’ father involvement, there is enough support to urge both professionals and policy makers to improve circumstances for involved fathering. (Anna Sarkadi and Robert Kristiansson 2007). The concept of fatherhood from a young child's perspective is fairly unambiguous. In contrast, the myriad of possible relationships from the perspective of a parent is far more complex. At one extreme, there may be a short-term relationship that results in a pregnancy and birth. In such cases, as the data from the NLSY show, the linkage between the child and father may range from being non-existent to being fairly extensive, with many fathers maintaining continuing contact with the child even though they may never be in residence with the child. Having a strong link with a nonresident father, as we will show, is not very unusual, particularly among black families.

At the other extreme from having no relationship with a father at all are traditional relationships, where the parents marry prior to the child's appearance and remain married, living together--in our NLSY sample--at least until the 1988 survey point. In between these two extremes, there are a wide range of relationship options that incorporate formal marriages and longer and shorter term non marital cohabitation. In all of these circumstances, the biological

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education father of the child may be continuously present, present or never present. We submit that, from the perspective of a younger child, the critical behavioral dimensions are (1) whether or not the father of the child is present or available, and (2) the quality of the relationship between the child, his or her father and of course, his or her mother. To describe these dimensions and their effects is the thrust of our research: what are the apparent associations between the presence or absence of a child's father and the subsequent development of that child, regardless of the formal or legal linkage between the child's father and mother? They find that adolescent boys engage in more delinquent behavior if there is no father figure in their lives. Adolescent girls' behavior is largely independent of the presence (or absence) of their fathers. However, the strong effect of family structure is not explained by the lack of paternal involvement that generally comes with fathers’ absence, even though adolescents who spend time doing things with their fathers often have better outcomes. There is also a link between adult delinquent behavior and adolescent family structure that cannot be explained by fathers' involvement with their adolescent sons and is only partially explained by fathers' involvement with their adolescent daughters. Finally, the strong link between adolescent family structure and delinquent behavior is not accounted for by the income differentials associated with fathers' absence. Dramatic changes in the shape of modern families have led to debate about the extent to which stronger relationships between fathers and their children might help in reducing the substantial social, economic, and health costs associated with youths' delinquent behavior. Making progress in developing sensible policy initiatives, however, depends on a much fuller consideration of the complexity of youths' family relationships and a deeper understanding of why and how fathers matter. The loss of a father's income seems to result in poorer outcomes for 12

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education example, (e.g. Painter and Levine 2004; Walker and Zhou 2007), though there is only mixed evidence that young people suffer from the loss of a father's active involvement in their lives per se (e.g. Kalil et al. 2010; Yuan and Hamilton 2006).

Foreign Studies

Over the past fifty years, modern families have been indelibly altered by dramatic increases in the prevalence of non-marital childbearing, divorce, and remarriage. In the United States, for example, nearly four in ten births are to unmarried women (Ventura 2009) and the fraction of children under age 18 living in mother-only families has risen from 8 percent in 1960 to 23 percent in 2010 (U.S. Census Bureau 2010). Overall, 30 percent of U.S. children are estimated to spend some time living in stepfamilies. This dramatic trend toward father-absent families is similar in most countries around the world and has focused the attention of policy makers and researchers alike on the important role that fathers play in child and adolescent development. For example, the 1996 welfare reform legislation in the United States places significant emphasis on family structure by incorporating family formation and the maintenance of two-parent families as one of its primary components. Most recently, President Obama signed into law the Claims Resolution Act of 2010, which authorizes $150 million for programs promoting healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood.

Previous research has shown that fathers' involvement with their children is linked to higher academic achievement, improved social and emotional well-being, and a lower incidence of delinquency, risk taking, and other problem behaviors. However, it appears to be the quality --

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education rather than the frequency -- of fathers' interaction with their children that matters, making it vital to study fathers' relationships with their children in depth (see Bronte- Tinkew et al. 2006).

Much of the early research assessed the role of fathers in two-parent families (e.g. Hofferth 2006; and references cited therein), leaving many questions about the consequences of living with biological fathers versus stepfathers and the contributions of non-residential fathers unanswered. In the intervening years, non-residential fathers and stepfathers have become the focus of substantial research effort (see White and Gilbreth 2001; King 2006; Yuan and Hamilton 2006), though the literature on each has developed somewhat separately. Research on stepfathers typically ignores children's relationships with their non-residential fathers, while research on nonresidential fathers often does little more than simply account for the fact that mothers may have remarried (King 2006).2 Importantly, the handful of studies which do account for the full complexity of children's family relationships paint a much more cautious picture about the positive consequences of fathers' engagement with their young and adolescent children. Kalil et al. (2010) find that living in closer proximity to ones’ biological father after divorce is associated with poorer outcomes in young adulthood, for example. Yuan and Hamilton (2006), conclude that a close, non-conflictual relationship with stepfathers improves adolescent outcomes, however "involvement with non-residential fathers provides little benefit for adolescents and may even be detrimental" (p. 1209). Similarly, economists attempting to unravel the separate effects of family breakdown on young people often conclude that what matters most when fathers leave is not the loss of their presence per se, but rather the loss of their income (Painter and Levine 2004; Walker and Zhu 2007). 14

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education

Local literatures

Fatherlessness is one of the most overlooked areas in the web of our society’s problems. Fatherlessness behaves like an undetected tumor that has been causing grave repercussions to the life of a child and eventually to the country as a whole. Jack Thomas Andraka (TED, 2013) deliberately made a research on cancer and was able to develop a test to help detect pancreatic cancer on its early stages. He found out that the most cancer cases are detected very late when the patient has very slim chance of survival. Fatherlessness is the early stages of the cancer of the society. It has been a long-time neglected problem, and the society is just dealing with its fullblown effects. The fact that fatherlessness is not readily being dealt with is because it is not identified as a problem but it has become a lifestyle (Macasinag, 2011).

Fatherlessness is actually the root of many problems such as teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, school dropouts, etc. In the same way, fatherlessness is a result of another set of problems such as poverty, alcoholism, crime, drug addiction and broken families. The cycle would go on in a like unending loop. The reason why these problems are rampant is because the number of fatherless homes has increased significantly.

`The DOH and the University of the Philippines-National institute for Health (UP-NIH) (as cited by UsapangPamilya, n.d.) estimated that 14-15% of the population are solo parents. This alone is a big number of cases of potential fatherlessness as they have also identified that

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education most solo parents are mothers. We have programs for solo parents but we are not promoting fathering despite the staggering statistics. Slattery (2013) identified the two roles that a father fills in the life of a child; some of them can never be filled by a mother. Fathers according to her provide a sense of security and a validation he can only provide. The sense of security includes financial supplication and physical defense. A child without these could suffer from poverty while without the father’s validation may cause the child to look for it from others which may lead to association with bad crowds, crimes or suicide.

Local Studies

Despite these statistics and studies done by experts, there are still movements who claim that fatherlessness is insignificant in the well-being of the child. Wilson (2002) compiled some cases and statistics where children are better off without their fathers. She cited that in the USA, children with fathers have higher risks for substance abuse; higher risk of physical abuse; are more likely to wed as teenagers and drop out of college; and do better academically. She continues to claim that absentee father is better than having a bad or inadequate father. While the cases of abusive fathers are true, so are the cases of abusive mothers. Wilson’s study only proves that we need adequate and emotionally-present fathers who can lessen the impact of fatherlessness by providing positive father figures to their non-biological children. Addressing the problem of fatherlessness can be done by promoting family visa to all OFWs, providing a mentoring group, and by educating the society about the need for fathers.

The first solution is to encourage OFWs to get family visa for the duration of their contract in other countries. The Central Bank of the Philippines reported that the personal

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education remittances from OFWs greatly increased by 6.1% by May 2014 compared to May 2013. The total remittances both from the seafarers and land-based workers amounted to P10Billion (Martin, 2014). This amount has helped the country economically. According to the Philippine Oversees Employment Administration (POEA, 2014) they processed 2,241,854 contracts for overseas workers as of 2013. Filipino Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) are deployed to mostly to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Hong Kong and Qatar.. Saudi Arabia, being the topmost recipient of Filipino OFWs, its government allows OFWs to “bring their families with them if they can show that their salaries are enough to support a family. Those earning SR4,000 or more are usually qualified. Many Filipino professional workers are taking advantage of this benefit” (Mayor, 2011, para.9).

Although, we have lauded the OFWs as modern-day heroes, the disadvantages of migration socially outweigh its benefits. (Asis, 2012). Urrutia (2013) identified the effects of an OFW to his left-behind family are broken relationships, stressed marriages, role reversals of parents, children lacking the presence and discipline of parents and cases of infidelity whether by the OFW or the spouse left behind. These effects are grave that we cannot put price on these losses. It has been common case for OFWs to find comfort in the arms of others which leads to infidelity and eventually broken homes (Mayor, 2011 &Estimo, 2007).

The stories Saudi Arabia’s OFWs– Dennis and Mylene del Rosario and Jun and Marissa Bunao were featured in the book of Mayor and his article in Inquirer (2011). It relayed the story of how the del Rosarios felt estranged to their son Daryl and their decision to raise their children with them. The Bunaos also brought their children with them and faced the necessary adjustments living in the country. 17

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Parents can still raise their children even if they are working overseas is very possible. Infact, a policy for family reunification is recognized in other countries. The council of Europe Parliamentary assembly (as cited by Reyes, 2008) recommended to its member countries to help reunify separated children to their parents even to those who do not have permanent resident status yet. The Philippine government could push for a policy like this.

The country should promote the benefits of OFWs in exchange to the big remittances they bring to the country, to include that encouraging OFWs to bringing their family with them and helping them facilitate family visa. The Philippines, being a major supplier of labor force in to other countries, could require countries importing manpower from us to make the acquisition of family visa easier by lowering the standards for filing. Another way that the government can help is by educating OFWs even on the application process the importance of living with their families and raising their own children.

The second recommendation is for adults and adolescents to experience fathering through a mentoring group so that they can father or parent better. John Eldredge, a famous Christian author, claims that we all need fathering. The kind of fathering that we might have with our present fathers may not be perfect but God can give us the kind of fathering we needed through the companionship of older men (Eldredge,J& Eldredge, S.,n.d.). It is not enough just to have biological father, but we need emotionally-present and committed fathers. Most of us might have believed that fatherless is normal because it has become a lifestyle.

The pre-industrial revolution times had contributed to the growth of economy without sacrificing the family set-up. The husband-wife teams are supported by their children. The trade

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education practiced by the father is passed on to the eldest boy upon his retirement. Children need to acquire skills before they can start families of their own. Young men usually leave home for training or apprenticeship from merchants and artisans and young women receive training as they become household servants (Fitzgerald, 2000). The industrial revolution broke this kind of kinship children had with their parents and the mentoring that they had from other skilled people. The effects could be seen with the independent children having to be proud that they are on their own but in reality are clueless as how they can live their lives as honorable fathers simply because they lack good fathering themselves.

The 2011 hit independent movie done by a church in USA, Courageous was inspired to do a movie on fatherhood primarily because of the example done by the creators’, the Kendrick Brothers, whose dad is known as a chain breaker. Their dad has an alcoholic father who wounded them but who in turn decided to love his children unconditionally because he has already surrendered his live to God. The brothers then had a burden to give a picture of “how dads are supposed to become honorable and heroic as opposed to what the TV has been portraying as passive, incompetent, immoral, perverted, goofballs, dominated by wives and outwitted by children. [They] wanted to show a man going on a journey in trying to figure out how to be a great dad” (Cantelon’s interview to Kendrick brothers, Story Behind the the Movie ‘Courageous). In a way, this movie is a step towards mentoring the fatherless generation so that they can also be a chain-breaker.

The fatherlessness status of the present generation can still be redeemed by rallying men who have received good fathering and who are being fathers to mentor young men how to become one. The church and other private groups are providing support system on how to do 19

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education this. Infact, one small group of fathers from the International Graduate School of Leadership had a special Courageous Ceremony (Merritt, 2014) adapted from the Courageous movie to strengthen their accountability and journey as fathers and to surrender them to God’s guidance. In a way, we can still bring back the environment that the pre-industrial revolution had provided not probably by apprenticeship and servant hood but through mentoring in our immediate contexts. People who are clueless as to how to become honorable fathers must expand their circles and look for people who can coach them and journey with them how to become fathers. Women must also support such endeavors by giving their husbands or future husbands the time, encouragement and empowerment they needed. Most men would not readily identify such needs or would deny so, but women can help bring about these without dominating or manipulating them.

Lastly, educating the society for the need of proactive fathers is needed. This education could be in a form of curriculum integrated in the basic education, parenting and marriage curricula and through constant promotion for the need of positive father figures. A lot of churches, non-government organizations (NGOs) and even individuals are advocating for responsible fathering education. The American government as initiated by President Obama launched a program to deal with America’s fatherlessness which is called the Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative (cited by Xie, 2013). Leving (n.d.) cited various programs in America to promote parents’ constructive engagement in the lives of their children. First is the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood, then the Fatherhood Educational Institute launched the Incarcerated Fathers Project to entrust imprisoned fathers full responsibilities for their children by educating them to create re-bond with their children and lead proactive lives. The author also

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education presented a “proactive father involvement strategies which includes: (1) promoting substantial positive father imaging through media; (2) providing free parenting education to indigent teen and incarcerated fathers; and (3) creating a judicial task force to educate judges on the effects of fatherlessness” (para.7). These can be done in the Philippines too.

In the Philippines, AMMA (as cited by Arkin, 2014) is a program dads to educate stay at home dads about child parenting, coping with wife breadwinners, financial management and discipline. Stay at home dads are a rarely accepted fact in the Philippines but is becoming a reality since many wives and mothers are deployed overseas for work. The Knights of Columbus (n.d.) gives an award called the Father for Good for deserving fathers. The Family Life Philippines (n.d.) conducts parenting seminars and support groups in partnership with churches and other institutions to educate, empower and equip couples and parents about godly family principles. The Philippines has undertaken some sporadic efforts to build fatherhood in the country mostly spearheaded by private organizations. This proves that education for positive father image can be done but needs to be organized and spearheaded by the government.

Education is essential in this area. The Philippines which was a pre-dominantly patriarchal society would label shame in stay-at-home dads. The government should address this issue through dialogues and support groups. The church and NGOs can provide great manpower and resources on these. Aside from that, educating the people with the important role of a father must start early on—in school. If families fail to address such need, the government should mandate educational sector to make students aware of their need of fathering and the unconscious effects of lack thereof. The government then has to reinforce the need by promoting model fathers and their family; advocating mentoring from able fathers and providing avenue 21

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education and resources for people to have an environment where fathers are lauded, appreciated and supported.

The Filipino must first admit that fatherlessness is a problem that leads to a cycle of numerous problems in the society. Just like Jack Andraka, we must detect this cancer on its early stages. Quantitative studies done on this area are not documented or published, although experts recognize fatherlessness in the country, it has become an accepted occurrence rather than an alarming situation. Fatherlessness is an issue of the family in the first place, it must resolve within the family. All of Filipino people has to recognize and take part in this serious condition of the society, if at all to prevent furtherance of this to a bigger scale and harder to treat. As it is said, it takes a community to take a child. We all are part of that community and we have responsibility to raise a child.

The impact of fatherlessness can still be inhibited if not stopped if we promote unification of families; providing support groups for fatherhood mentoring and educating our people early on with their need for fathers and their need to be fathers and support fathers. The government can only do so much; the rest would be in our hands. The government can provide policies, provisions, avenues and funding for such programs to promote fatherhood, but the real call would be in the unity of all the people of the country. First, we need to decide that we will value our family which could mean that we will not promote self-development at the expense of our children. This would also mean that we need to adjust our life-style, work and priorities to accommodate our children’s needs and see to it that they get the necessary parenting. Second, we must be pro-active in looking for the mentoring we needed and where our parents have failed to give. We must forgive them for wounding us and decide to turn the table for our children. This 22

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education would be very hard task because for some of us admitting these and asking for help is shameful and is a sign of weakness. This is where we need God to change our hearts and perspectives. Unless we admit that we also have offended our parents, the cycle will go on. We need to break the chain. Lastly, we need to come together. We need to be proactive in promoting an environment of fatherhood by receiving and giving it to others and coming along those people whom we can journey with. We can help push the government to help provide this kind of program and environment and at the same time support those groups who are already taking part in the rehabilitation of family. We can be proactive in looking for practices that works best in other settings and countries and adjust it in our own contexts. Men, you are needed. We need you to show us the world as splendid place to journey with you, despite the craziness around us. Women, we need to move back a little bit from the limelight and make avenue for fathers to shine. It is time again for the community to raise a child in unity.

Justification of the study

This study will focus on the effects of paternal absence to the relationship of adolescent learners and will be finished through data gathering and analysis. The related literatures were provided which can also serve as a basis and the researchers will get the findings to be able to get the desired outcomes of this study. The findings of the study will surely aid the questions and problem being solved. The emotional well-being of the learners and their behavior towards education will be discovered through the use of instrument of the study and its analysis.

The reviewed literature and studies found to be relevant to the present study particularly in the methodology and content of the research to certain extent. The researchers found out that

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education there were some studies that had been conducted regarding the effects of paternal absence to the behavior of adolescent learners towards education. Moreover, the studies conducted before has similarities and relationship with the present research. However, the study defines the present status of adolescent learners of Nueva Ecija had never been conducted. Hence, there were no other researches with regards to the respondents and tough content of the research.

Chapter III Methodology This chapter discusses the details of the methodologies used to implement the research. Specifically, the research design, method of research, research tool, data gathering procedure, and treatment of data were shown. Research Design This study is a descriptive-phenomenological type of qualitative research design. This type of research uses the narratives of the respondents as the primary source of data and utilized thematic data analysis in finding meaning. The content of this study was focused on the effects of paternal absence to the behavior of the adolescent learners towards education. Research Method The method adopted by the researchers in this study is an in-depth interview method. The primary objective in employing this method is to conduct interview that is optimal for collecting data on youths’ personal histories, perspectives, and experiences, particularly a very sensitive topics. It is a more extensive and encompassing method than any other chosen methods of

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education investigation. It assists the researchers in knowing the desired purpose in the shortest period of time. In addition, some of the respondents could not express their experiences verbally or vocally. Instead, they were asked to answer the questionnaire using a pen and a paper to elicit their responses. Data Gathering Procedure The study was conducted in the month of March, 2017. Free time of the respondents was used in order to collect data. The researchers as well, used their free time and weekends to enhance the research. The researchers used an interview method in collecting data. An interview involves direct interaction between the researchers and a respondent or group. The researchers may have some initial guiding questions or core concepts to ask about, the interviewer is free to move the conversation in any direction of interest that may come up. Consequently, interviewing is particularly useful for exploring a topic broadly. The researchers recruited participants of this study by referral. Each participant was informed about the details of the study, initially. This includes privacy, their rights as a participant and their conditions. Consent was secured before the interview started. It was conducted through written consent. This signifies that the respondents willingly agreed to participate in the study and to use the responses in the research while maintaining their anonymity. Confidentiality was rest assured to the respondents.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The participants decided where the face to face interview has to be conducted. This must be a place where the participants will feel free and comfortable to speak. If the respondent could not express him/her experiences verbally and vocally, the respondent can write up the answers to the questions on the questionnaire. The researchers must assure the respondents about the privacy of the interview. Population and Sampling Procedure The persons who participated in this study were the adolescents aging 19 years old and above who experienced paternal absence. The respondents came from different places in Nueva Ecija and found by the researchers through purposive way and snowballing. The researchers used this sets of inclusion criteria in searching for respondents: 1. Adolescent aging 19 years old and above, 2. Had experienced paternal absence, and 3. Resident of Nueva Ecija. Research Instrument The primary tool used in this study was an interview guide in order to obtain information about suicidal person. All the questions in the interview guide were designed to gather relevant information to answer the problem statements. The instrument was piloted and tested to two (Ms. Sarah and Aira) respondents for face and content validity. Relevant changes in the instrument were done to capture the needed responses.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The first part of the interview was pertaining to the personal profile of the respondents. This includes their personal information, their family background, their social background as well as their economic background. The later part of the interview was sought to answer the questions regarding the respondent’s experiences. This includes the circumstances they were into before they lost their father, their plans and their views and perspectives after the experience.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data This chapter presents the interpretation and analysis of participants’ responses to the questions asked by the researchers. Major Theme 1: Effects of Paternal Absence to the adolescent learners’ family The following are narrative discourses of the participants pertaining to how paternal absence affects the family of the participants. These include sub theme depression and sub-sub them which are loneliness, hardship, financial problem, and positive effects.

Effects of Paternal Absence to Emotion of the Adolescent Learners’ Family

Financial Problem

Depression Loneliness

Sub-theme 1: Depression Sub-sub theme 1: Loneliness “hindi ko masyadong napansin pero siguro mas lalo syang naging mahigpit samin, tapos dati nakikita ko sya kung pano maging Masaya yung tumatawa sya pero nung nawala ang tatay ko

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education naging malungkutin na sya. Pag may ginagawa sya gusto nya siya mag isa ayaw nya ng iniistorbo sya.” (I didn’t notice it much but I’m sure that she became stricter with us. Back then I can see that she was happy, that she was laughing, but since my father left she became depressed. Whenever she was doing something she wanted to be left alone.) - Participant III “Sa mama ko, nung nakita kong masyado siyang malungkot at minsan hindi namin siya makausap ng maayos pero ngayon ok naman na.” (To my mother, I saw her back then that she was really depressed and sometimes I couldn’t talk to her, but she’s fine now.) - Participant IV

“Nung una hindi nya makayanan dahil sa biglang pagkawala ng tatay ko. Pero hindi naman daw pwede habang buhay na malulungkot sya dahil pano kami ng mga nang mga anak nya. Kaya mas lalo siyang nagpursige para sa amin.” (At first, she had a hard time coping because of my father suddenly leaving us. But she said that she can’t forever be depressed, that she can’t just let us be. That’s why she works harder for us.) - Participant V

“Malungkot, kase hindi na makapag concentrate sa mga bagay na dapat napagtutuunan naming ng pansin. Kasi hindi pa makapaniwala sa pangyayari. May mga tanong pa na bakit nawala ganon? Bakit nangyari to? Totoo ba to mga ganon ba.” (It was sad, because I couldn’t concentrate on the things we needed to focus on because we still haven’t accepted what happened. There’s still questions on why he’s gone, why it happened, is this true, those things.)

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education - Participant VIII “Kay mama? Strong kase personality nun eh. Siguro dahil nga bago at tsaka nasa adjustment period pa ung family namin, ano syempre nalulungkot minsan, nasanay kami na ganun parang iba na ganon. Basta nasa adjustment pa eh. Si momy hindi naman namin nakikita na madalas umiyak or what. Strong un eh.” (My mother? She has a very strong personality. Still, I can’t say she’s completely over it because it has only been a few months. Sometimes she’s very lonely, but we don’t see her cry a lot. Maybe she wanted to show how strong she has to be.) - Participant X Based on the verbatim above, almost half of the participants had the effect of loneliness to their family when they lost their fathers. The family as whole has undergone depression; particularly being unable to move on for a long time. Based from the interview, the most affected member of the family is the mother of the participants. They have said different situations their mother had gone through; being unable to talk for some time, preference to be alone, and changes of mood as it was before. The remaining participants have said that there is also a good effect on the family which is being able to be stronger than before. Fatherless children have more difficulties with social adjustment, and are more likely to report problems with friendships, and manifest behaviour problems; many develop a swaggering, intimidating persona in an attempt to disguise their underlying fears, resentments, anxieties and unhappiness. (Kruk, 2013) Sub Theme 3: Financial Problem “Sobrang nahirapan, naranasan naming yung mga bagay na dapat hindi pa naming nararanasan sa edad naming yon katulad ng paghihirap namin at pagsasakripisyo sa mga bagay 30

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education na kailangan naming mapunan para sa aming lahat.” (It was really hard, we experienced things that we shouldn’t have at our age, like sacrificing the things that we should have for everyone.) - Participant VI

“Yon nga, wala kaming bread winner. Parang walang nagpoprovide ng mga kailangan naming kaya natutunan naming suportahan yung sarili naming. Dapat naming matutunan pano tumayo sa sarili naming mga paa.” (That’s it, we don’t have a bread winner. It’s like no one’s proving us our needs so we learned to support ourselves. We needed to learn to stand up on our own two feet.) - Participant VII “Malaki, kasi nung nawala sya nahirapan si mommy kasi nag iisa nalang sya tapos lima pa kaming magkakapatid. Nahirapan sya itaguyod kame kasi nung una kulang kami sa financial hindi naman sumasapat dahil lahat kami nag aaral, may mgacollege pa. Pero nung tumatagal na nakakaya naman. Kayang ka na ngayon.” (Greatly, because when he left, my mother had a hard time because she’s alone now, and there are five of us siblings. She had a hard time to pull us through because first of all financially, it wasn’t enough since all of us are studying, and someone’s at college. But as time goes on it was bearable, we can do it now.) - Participant VIII Mahirap kase nung nawala siya, parang yung business namin bumagsak din kase siya ung nag hohold ng business namin parang hindi na gumanda ung takbo ng business namin. (It’s hard because when he died, our business shut down as well.) - Participant XII 31

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Based on the narrative discourses above, 4 of the participants had the effect which is financially instability. They said that losing their father has given them some financial problems that have been hard to deal with because it’s the father who used to provide the said needs. They also said that the business has started to shut down, and the needs of the children are being provided by the mother when the father died. They needed someone to provide their needs in terms of financial. So, in spite of being lonely, they are also problematic because of the financial problem. Making progress in developing sensible policy initiatives, however, depends on a much fuller consideration of the complexity of youths' family relationships and a deeper understanding of why and how fathers matter. The loss of a father's income seems to result in poorer outcomes for example, (e.g. Painter and Levine 2004; Walker and Zhou 2007), though there is only mixed evidence that young people suffer from the loss of a father's active involvement in their lives per se (e.g. Kalil et al. 2010; Yuan and Hamilton 2006). Similarly, economists attempting to unravel the separate effects of family breakdown on young people often conclude that what matters most when fathers leave is not the loss of their presence per se, but rather the loss of their income (Painter and Levine 2004; Walker and Zhu 2007).

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Major Theme 2: Effects of paternal absence to the adolescent learner’s emotional wellbeing

Effects of Paternal Absence to the Adolescent Learner’s Emotional Well-being

Difficulties

Positive Effects

Lack of Concentration

Changes in Personality

Adjustments in Life

Realizations in Life

Loneliness Sub theme 1: Difficulties Sub-sub theme 1: Lack of concentration “Epekto nito hindi ako nakapag focus ng mabuti sa pag aaral ko nung nawala ang papa ko kaya bumaba ung mga grades ko dahil sa lungkot kase lagi siyang andyan para tulungan ako. And wala ng nag papangaral sakin pag may mali akong nagagawa.” How did your father’s absence affect you now?

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education (Its effect was I wasn’t able to focus on my studies since my father left me, and so my grades declined because I was so depressed since he was always there to help me, and no one disciplines me if I do something wrong.) - Participant IV “Nawala ako ng motivation tapos uhm hindi ko masasabing naligaw ako ng landas e ang tama siguro is nag go with the flow nalang ako kase nawalan na ko ng totally nag susupport sa mga gusto ko. Kasi siya lang taaga yun kung ano yung gusto ko susuportahan na nya ko. Parang wala na e, nawala na. Parang nabubuhay nalang kasi ako dahil kailangan ko mabuhay, hindi na ko nabubuhay dahil yun yung gusto kong gawin parang ganon.” (I lost my motivation and I can’t say that I lost my way but I guess you could say that I go with the flow because I lost the one who totally supports me in what I want, because he really is the one that when I want something, he really supports me all the way. But it’s like there’s nothing left, like I’m living because I need to live, I don’t live anymore because that’s what I want.) - Participant IX “Kase dati nung nawala talaga siya, parang ung mga grades ko bumaba ganon kase hindi ako nakakapag concentrate sa pag aaral ko pero ngayon medyo ok naman na, pero yun nga mahirap padin talaga ung walang magulang pero yun nga yung pag kukulang talaga ng papa ko si mama nag pupunan.” (When I lost him, it affected my grades. They got lower because I can’t concentrate that much. But it’s getting fine now, still a bit hard not to have a father. Good thing that my mom is always there.) - Participant XI

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Sub-sub theme 2: Adjustments in life “sobrang laki ng epekto, kasi si Papa yung lagi kong kakampi, si Papa lang yung nagpupush lagi sakin na “sige lang anak kaya mo yan” siya lang taong kaya kong mapagsabihan kung gano ko kasaya o kalungkot o kung galit ba ko ganon.” (It left such an impact on me, because my father was always my partner, he always cheered me on that I can do it. He was the only one I could talk to on how I felt.) - Participant I

“Sobrang dami ng nagbago nung nawala sya. Kase nung una hindi ko pa tanggap na wala siya parang alone ako lagi tapos hindi ko alam kung pano magdecide para sa sarili ko kase nung nabubuhay pa sya lagi ko tinatanong sa kanya yung ano ba ang dapat gawin. Tapos nung nawala sya parang naging paralyze ako minsan hindi ko alam gagawin sa mga bagay bagay sa buhay ko.” (A lot has changed since he left. At first I couldn’t accept that he was gone, it felt like I was alone and I didn’t know how to decide for myself because when he was still alive, I always asked him what I should do. Then when he suddenly left, I felt like I was paralyzed, sometimes I didn’t know what I should do with what’s happening with my life.) - Participant III

“Syempre, napakahirap kaya. July lng sya namatay dba. Edi ano, kahit ngayon nahihirapan parin ako na parang ipagpatuloy ang buhay, syempredumadating ung, walang oras na pinipili ung pagka miss mo sa magulang mo na parang may mga pag kakataon na parang sya ung tanging tao na dapat makakatulong sayo. Like ako ano, laging alanganin ang oras ng pasok ko

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education minsan mabagal ung punuan ng jeep, so dati nung may dady may nag hahatid sakin sa terminal ngayon wala na. tapos kung may problema na urgent tatawagan lng ung tatay mo sya na ung ano, makakatulong sayo tapos mag papalakas ng loob mo, ngayon wala na. ngayon parang hinahanap ko ung tao nayon kase si dady lng ung parang ano, alam nya kung paano palalakasin ung loob ko at kung paano nya ko matutulungan. Dba ung mga tao pwede ka nila tulungan pero hindi dun sa paraan na akala nila nakakatulong sila pero hindi. Pero si dady kase alam nya kung pano nya ako i mamanipulate ganon.” (Ofcourse it’s really hard. He died in July this year. It’s still hard for me until now; it’s hard to continue living the way I used to when he’s still here. There were times when I missed him so much, times when you think he’s the only one who can help you. For instance, I need to be at school early in the morning. I have to wait for the jeepney to be filled and when there were times like that, I just need to call my father and he’ll be there, but now it’s different because he’s already gone. He’s the only one who knows how to make me feel better. There will be people who can help you and they think they’re helping you but that’s not the kind of help you need. My dad always knows the exact help I need.) - Participant X

Sub-sub theme 3: Loneliness “dati nung elementary ako nagiging emotional ako pag napag uusapan yung family ganyan pag yung sa tatay, kahit sa classroom umiiyak ako. Nakakainggit kasi, nakakainggit kase na bat bat yung ibang family buo sila tapos kami hindi.” (I think as of now, none, but before when I was in elementary I become emotional when we talked about families, about fathers, even inside the

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education classroom I cry. I was so envious of other families because why do we have a broken family while they don’t.) - Participant II

Based for the verbatim above, regarding the difficulties that the participants have undergone, 3 of the participants have experiences lack of concentration when they lost their fathers. They said that it has been hard to focus and that their grades were getting lower during the hard times, but they were able to make up after some time. Another 3 of the participants have said that they had some adjustments in life after what happened. They said that they were having difficulties with accepting the fact that the things their father used to do will be a part of the past and they have to it themselves. The remaining participants felt loneliness on losing their father. They said that it has been very lonely and that they really had a hard time and needed a long time be fine. 71 per cent of high school dropouts are fatherless; fatherless children have more trouble academically, scoring poorly on tests of reading, mathematics, and thinking skills; children from father absent homes are more likely to play truant from school, more likely to be excluded from school, more likely to leave school at age 16, and less likely to attain academic and professional qualifications in adulthood. (Kruk, 2013) Sub theme 2: Positive effects Sub-sub theme 1: Changes in personality

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Mas naging matatag ako bilang ako, bilang anak. Kase wala na yung tatay namin wala ng mag poprotekta samin, sarili nalang namin. (I became stronger, as his child. When I lost my father, we lost the one to protect us. So it has to be me.) - Participant XII Siguro, ahm masasabi ko na naging epekto sakin ng mga turo ng tatay ko ay, nakatulong ng maayos sakin lalo na ngayon sa pagiging independent ko bilang studyante, nakatulong lahat sa akin yun kase lahat ng itinuro niya sa akin noon magagamit ko ngayon bilang isang studyante na independent na, sarili ko lng yung kailangan ko para makatapos sa isang araw na gastos, sa isang araw na buhay. (What affects me the most are his teachings. It helped me to become independent as a student. Everything that he taught me has been very useful.) - Participant XIII

Sub-sub theme 2: Realizations in life “Naranasan ko yung totoong hirap ng buhay na walang tatay sa pamilya. Tapos nalaman ko din yung sobrang kahalagahan ng magulang.” (I experienced the truth that it is hard to live without a father in a family. Then I realized the value of a parent.) - Participant VI Based from the narrative discourses about, regarding the positive effects to the emotional well-being of the participants, 2 of them have said that they have experienced changes in personality which made them stronger and being able to readily face the things ahead of them. They take the lost of their father in a positive way. They felt grief, they cried, but they have had 38

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education realizations that they need to be strong. Another participant realized the importance of having a parent because of experiencing the lost of one. Grief can be one of the most powerful agents of change; it offers us an opportunity to experience tremendous growth. These hard times can truly help us carve out a path to happiness. The key is we must be active participants in directing this positive change. It will not happen passively. (Kelli, 2014) Major Theme 3: Lessons Learned of the Adolescent Learners from Paternal Absence

Lessons Learned of the Adolescent Learners from Paternal Absence

Emotional Strength Development

Acceptance

Realizations

Sub theme 1: Emotional Strength Development Sub-sub theme 1: Realizations “natuto akong tumayo sa sarili kong paa, dapat may paninindigan ako sa mga desisyon ko. Dapat sigurado ako sa mga desisyon ko bago ko gawin ang isang bagay.” (I learned to stand on my own two feet. To stand firm on my decisions, that I should be sure on my choices before I do something.) 39

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education - Participant III “Natutunan kong maging matatag sa buhay at maging mas ma tyaga sa lahat ng bagay. Lalo na ung gawin ang best mo sa lahat ng bagay dahil walang permanrnte sa mundo.” (I learned to be strong and be more patient, and most of all, to give your best in everything because nothing is permanent in this world.) - Participant IV “mas maging matatag ka kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating o problema dahil lahat ng yan ay matatapos din at may dahilan.” (To be strong no matter what trials or problems may come, because all of it will end and there’s a reason for it.) - Participant V “Mas maging matapang, matatag. Kailangan mas maging mabuti kang tao at lagi kang makikinig sa mga nagmamahal sayo na nakakatanda dahil mas alam nila kung ano yung dapat sayo.” (To be strong no matter what trials or problems may come, because all of it will end and there’s a reason for it.) - Participant VI “Natutunan ko talaga na kailangan ng tatay na pamilya kasi siya yung tagaprovide ng bawat pangangailangan ng bawat miyembro ng isang pamilya.” (I really learned that we really need a father in the family because he is the one who provides us with our needs.) - Participant VII “Huwag kang maging dependent sa ibang tao, sa kaligayahan mo. Kasi dinepent ko talaga sa tatay ko pag Masaya sya Masaya ako. Tapos parang sakanya na naka depende yung buhay ko

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education noon. Natutunan ko na maging independent kase hindi mo na pwede ipahawak sa ibang tao yung kaligayahan mo kasi kagaya non, nung nawala yung tatay ko anong mangyayari sakin di ba? Kung iaasa ko ng iaasa yung buhay ko ganon, yung kaligayahan ko so ang natutunan ko para sa sarili ko is maging Masaya ka para sa sarili mo hindi yung hinahabol mo yung saya ng ibang tao.” (Don’t be dependent to other people for your happiness, because I was really dependent on my father, when he’s happy, I’m happy, and it feels like my life depends on him. I learned to be independent because you can’t let other people handle your happiness like back then, when I lost my father, what will happen to me? If I will just depend my life like that, my happiness, so I learned for myself that I should be happy for myself, not chasing other people’s happiness.)

- Participant IX Sub-sub theme 2: Acceptance “natutunan ko, ganun talaga walang perpekto sa lahat ng bagay maski sa pamilya. Dapat tanggapin lahat, kung hindi na talaga pwede wag ng pilitin kase baka mas magbago lang din ang lahat. Pag magkaiba ang dalawang tao, huwag ng mag pumilit pa. Maging kunteto.” (I learned that, that’s how it is, nothings perfect in anything, even in a family. We need to accept all of it, if it’s not meant to be, then don’t force it because it might all change for the better. If two people are truly different, don’t force it, be contended.) - Participant II “Pag may nawawala, huwag mo isipin na katapusan na ng mundo, kahit na napakahalaga ng tao nayon. Isipin mo nalang na kaya may nawawala kase may sapat na dahilan yon. Mahing responsible sa lahat ng gagawin. Nung nabubuhay pa sya, alam kong naibigay na nya lahat ng

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education dapat nyang ituro samin. Natutunan ko din maging malakas pang lalo. Mahalin sila ng higit pa andito man o wala na.” (When something is lost, don’t think that it’s the end of the world, no matter how important that person is. Just think that when something is lost, there’s a good reason for it. Be responsible to everything you do. When he was still alive, I know he gave us everything he needed to teach us. I also learned to be stronger, to love them more whether if they’re here or not.) - Participant VIII Based on the verbatim above, regarding the lessons learned of the participants from paternal absence, the researchers were able to consolidate the main lesson learned which is development of emotional strength. Six of the participants have experience realizations which include being able to stand on their own feet, to be strong and always persevere in everything, being ready to face every problem that may come, and be independent. All of these learning are their realizations after losing their fathers. The remaining participants were able to learn acceptance. They said that nothing is perfect, unpleasant situations will come and after having experienced one, just face and accept that it happened. The other one said that, when you lost someone, never think that it’s the end. Instead, just think that there is a good reason for what happened.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Chapter V Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations This chapter presents the summary of the study, the findings drawn, the conclusions and the recommendations. Summary The study was focused on the socio-demographic profile of the respondents, the effects of paternal absence to them, to their families ,their views and perspectives and the advices that they can share. The researchers selected this area for the study because as future educators, they must be aware of these situations whenever they started to be part of the teaching profession. This study entitled “The effects of Paternal Absence to the Behavior Adolescent Learners’ towards Education” was delimited to the purpose of understanding the effects of paternal absence to the selected adolescents in Nueva Ecija, the possible treatment for this type of situation as well as its effect on the personality development of an individual specifically, adolescents. The study was conducted during the 2nd semester of the school year 2016-2017. The study was enhanced during weekends and available time of each members of the group. The respondents were given sets of questions using an interview guide as they undergo to an interview with the researchers. The respondents were given enough time and let them choose the way they were comfortable to express their thoughts and experiences. In addition, a

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education questionnaire was given to the respondents that can not express their thoughts and experiences through the verbal way. The method adopted by the researchers in this study was an in-depth interview method. The primary objective of employing this method is to conduct an interview that is optimal for collecting data on individual’s personal histories, perspectives, and experiences, particularly a very sensitive topic. It is more extensive and encompassing than any other methods of research. It assists the researchers in knowing the desired purposes in the shortest available time. Findings The following are the summary of the findings of the study based on the sequence of the specific problems: Socio-Demographic Profile AGE - All of the 9 adolescent respondents were 19 years old and above on the date when they were interviewed. GENDER - For the gender, most of them where females (n=8) while there was only (n=1). CIVIL STATUS - For the civil status, all of them stated that they were single and never been married. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT - For their educational attainment, all of them are in college level. Effects of Paternal Absence to Adolescent Learner’s Family 44

Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The effects of paternal absence in the family are, have a hard time in adjusting, some said their family lost their bread winner, they are not able to do the things that they do before they lost their father, there was effect at all and lastly, it helped their family to become stronger and whole again. Effects of Paternal Absence to the Emotional Well-Being of the Adolescent Learners The effects of paternal absence are, they became more motivated in pursuing everything that they want, some lost the one that they can count on, they became a bit insecure about the other families that are complete, they do not know how to decide for themselves, they do not know how they would focus on their priorities, they lost the wall and guide of their families, and lastly, one of the respondents answered, it seemed like they do not lost anything at all. Lessons Learned of the Adolescent Learners from Paternal Absence

The things that they learned from their experiences are, they learned that they need to be stronger and braver to face the world ahead, they learned to be contented on what they have, they learned to accept everything, they learned how to be independent and lastly, the appreciate the importance of their father. Conclusions In the light of the above findings, the following conclusions are drawn: Majority of the respondents were females, then one male respondent. The Adolescents received and gained support from their families, their mother and their relatives.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education The effects of paternal absence in the adolescents can be good or bad, positive or negative. The Paternal absence also have effects to the mothers, it can also be a positive or negative. The effects of paternal absence in the family are, have a hard time in adjusting, some said their family lost their bread winner, they are not able to do the things that they do before they lost their father, there was effect at all and lastly, it helped their family to become stronger and whole again. The things that they learned from their experiences are, they learned that they need to be stronger and braver to face the world ahead, they learned to be contented on what they have, they learned to accept everything, they learned how to be independent and lastly, the appreciate the importance of their father. Their advices to their fellow adolescents are, be strong and brave, do not lose hope, do not give up, always believe that you can and lastly, just keep on moving on, just keep on going. Recommendations The following recommendations were made based on the conclusion: 1. The local government and educational systems must provide activities for the adolescents that can help them to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. 2. The schools and barangays must collaborate to conduct seminar abouts boosting morality and personal development of their constituents.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education 3. Further teachings must be provided in barangay health workers and school teachers to educate the community on the latest trends in helping Fatherless individuals. 4. The teachers and aspiring future teachers must participate in the government programs regarding Fatherless Individuals to be equipped and knowledgeable about such cases whenever they encountered similar situations in the future. 5. The next generation of researchers must conduct another research about the Effects of Maternal Absence to the adolescents and the result and findings must be published.

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Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Education Refferences  

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Arkin, F. (2014). Fathehood 101:Near Manila, a school for stay-at-home dads. Maclean’s. [a weblog]. Retrieved August 10, 2014 from http://www.macleans.ca/politics/worldpolitics/fatherhood-101/ Asis, M.M.B. (2012). Looking after the left-behind families of overseas Filipino workers: The Philippine experience. A paper presented at Doha on Symposium on Family, Migration and Dignity in Doha,Qatar. Retrieved August 10,2014 from http://globalmigrationpolicy.org/articles/family/Looking%20after%20LeftBehind%20Families%20of%20Filipino%20Workers%20Philippine%20Experience,%20ASIS%20Doha%20March%202012.pdf Eldredge, J. & Eldredge, S. (n.d.). Killing lions 4: Older guys. And Sons Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2014 from http://andsonsmagazine.com/killinglions/season-1/killing-lions-4-older-guys#.U_PK5vnRi-E Estimo, Jr., R.C. (2007). Philippine envoy expresses concern over failed OFW marriages.Arab News. Retrieved August 10, 2014 from http://www.arabnews.com/node/305741 Family Life (n.d.) Family Life Philippines Retrieved August 14, 2014 from http://familylife.ph/about/ Fitzgerald, Richard D.(2000). “The Social Impact of the Industrial Revolution.” Science and Its Times: Understanding the Social Significance of Scientific Discovery. Ed. Josh Lauer and Neil Schlager. Vol. 4. Detroit: Gale,p.376-381. Global Issues In Context. Web. Retrieved 10 Aug. 2014 from http://find.galegroup.com/gic/infomark.do?&idigest=fb720fd31d9036c1ed2d1f 3a0500fcc2&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=GIC&docId=CX3408502115&so urce=gale&userGroupName=itsbtrial&version=1.0 Knights of Columbus (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2014 from http://www.kofc.org.ph/?q=fathersforgood2011 Kruk, E. (2012). Co-parenting after divorce. Psychology Today. Retrieved August 3, 2104 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/co-parenting-afterdivorce/201205/father-absence-father-deficit-father-hunger Leving, J.M. (n.d.). Father absence in America: Turning the tide on fatherlessness.[Web log post]. Retrieved August 3, 2014 from http://dadsrights.com/index.php/fatherabsence-in-america-turning-the-tide-on-fatherlessness/ MacCullum, F. & Golombok, S. (2004). Children raised in fatherless families from infancy: A follow-up of children of lesbian and single heterosexual mothers at early adolescence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(8),1407-1419.doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.00324.x Macasinag, T.B. (2011). The effects of paternal absence in the family. Sun Star. Retrieved August 3, 2014 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/opinion/2011/09/07/macasinag-effectspaternal-absence-family-178015

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Martin, K.A. (2014). OFW remittances hit $10B in May. The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 10, 2014 from http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/07/16/1346619/ofwremittances-hit-10-b-may Mayor, Jr., C.(2011). OFWs bringing their families to Saudi Arabia. Inquirer Global Nation. Retrieved August 10,2014 from http://globalnation.inquirer.net/features/people/view/20110124-316284/OFWsbringing-their-families-to-Saudi-Arabia Meritt, S. (2014).Courageous ceremony. A Facebook Photo Album. Retrieved August 18, 2014 from https://www.facebook.com/shelley.j.merritt/media_set?set=a.101520941760073 43.1073741849.657742342&type=3 O’Neill,R. (2002). Experiments in living: The fatherless family. Retrieved August 3, 2014 from http://www.civitas.org.uk/pdf/Experiments.pdf POEA. (2014).Deployment Statistics. Retrieved August 10, 2014 from OFW Statistics of POEA website, http://www.poea.gov.ph/stats/statistics.html Reyes, M.M.(2008). Migration and Filipino children left-behind: A literature review. Paper for the United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved August 14, 2014 from http://www.unicef.org/philippines/Synthesis_StudyJuly12008.pdf Slattery, J. (2013). Mom and dad fill different roles. New York Times. Retrieved August 3, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/06/03/what-are-fathersfor/mom-and-dad-fill-different-roles TED. (2013). Jack Andraka: A promising test for pancreatic cancer…from a teenager. TED Talks. Transcript Retrieved August 11, 2014 from http://www.ted.com/talks/jack_andraka_a_promising_test_for_pancreatic_can cer_from_a_teenager/transcript Urrutia, L. (2013). Overseas Filipino workers: A risk society analysis. Retrieved August 18, 2014 from https://www.academia.edu/5241905/Overseas_Filipino_Workers_A_Risk_Socie ty_Analysis Usapang Pamilya.(n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2014 from Usapang Pamilya website, http://www.usapangpamilya.com/site/topic.php?i=+single-parenting+6 Wilson, T. (2002). Myths and facts about fatherlessness. Retrieved August 5, 2014 from http://www.nownys.org/docs/fatherlessness%20article.pdf Xie, J.(2013). A documentary that puts a human face to America’s fatherlessness crisis. Retrieved August 3,2014 from the Atlantic Citylab, http://www.citylab.com/politics/2013/11/new-documentary-humanizesamericas-fatherlessness-crisis/7513/ http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/2012-06-17/817890/successful-men-who-grewfatherless

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