JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

“Ma, Anong Ulam?”: A Study of Young Adults Who Provide for Their Families

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject

Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

Presented by:

Caluang, Kierma S.

De Lara, Athena Jhoice

Escalona, Krystle Anne

Gonzales, Kisha Quinn

Refuncion, Julia Grace

Rivero, Jamaica

Tria, Chiaki Don L.

Submitted to:

Ms. Crosel P. David

March 15
 JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Table of Contents
Title Page............................................................................................................
Problem and its Background..............................................................................
Statement of the Problem..............................................................................
Scope and Delimitations................................................................................
Significance of the Study..............................................................................
Definition of Terms.......................................................................................
Review of Related and Literatures.....................................................................
Research Methodology.......................................................................................

Research Design............................................................................................

Research Instrument......................................................................................

Respondents of the Study..............................................................................

Research Locale............................................................................................

Ethical Standard............................................................................................

References........................................................................................................

Appendices.......................................................................................................
 JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Chapter 1

Problem and its Background

The struggle that young adults face when they have to financially support their

families at a young age is a topic that often flies under the radar in social research. In the

Philippines, where poverty is a persistent issue, many young people, specially those in

their teens and early twenties find themselves stepping up as the main earners due to their

family situations. This reality is poignantly captured in the simple yet powerful question,

“Ma, anong ulam?” (“Mom, what’s for lunch/dinner?”), which highlights the financial

strain families endure and the weight of responsibility placed on these young shoulders.

The study titled "Ma, anong ulam?: A Study of Young Adults Who Provide for Their

Families" aims to delve into the personal, social, and economic effects of these early

responsibilities, which often lead to stunted personal growth and limited future prospects

for these individuals.

The financial struggles of many Filipino families have put immense pressure on

young adults to contribute financially, often at the expense of their education and overall

well-being. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the poverty rate in the

country was a concerning 23.7% as of 2023, revealing that a significant portion of the

population struggles to meet even their basic needs (PSA, 2023). In these households,

young adults frequently feel compelled to take on informal jobs, such as street vending or

low-paying, unregulated work. This situation is worsened by a lack of educational

opportunities, leading many youths to leave school to work. Research indicates that
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children and young adults from low-income families are more likely to face child labor

(UNICEF, 2022), which not only disrupts their education but also limits their social

development (ILO, 2020).

The shift of these young adults into adult responsibilities comes with a significant

personal expense. Although child labor and early employment have been extensively

studied, there has been less attention on young adults who take complete responsibility

for their families. Much of the current research regarding youth labor centers on younger

children, overlooking the experiences of teenagers and young adults who also carry the

responsibility of supporting their families. This research aims to address this gap by

examining the experiences of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who, even

while in their developmental stages, are anticipated to support their families financially.

Their narratives and obstacles are distinct as they manage the intricacies of juggling work

with aspirations for learning, personal advancement, and community development.

Research by Abad and Arellano (2019) revealed that youth unemployment and

underemployment remain significant challenges in the Philippines, with many young

individuals confined to jobs that fail to align with their skills or aspirations. These young

individuals often find themselves in roles that provide little stability or long-term

security, such as positions in retail, services, or manual labor, leading to limited

opportunities for growth. These job conditions are aggravated by the fact that many

young adults are required to work irregular hours, limiting their ability to engage in

educational pursuits or improve personal skills.

The primary goal of this study is to explore the experiences of young adults who take on

the responsibility of assisting their families. This study aims to enhance understanding of

the social, emotional, and financial challenges these individuals face as they assume adult

responsibilities prematurely. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research will focus on

gathering data about the personal difficulties, emotional effects, and financial pressures

that young adults encounter while fulfilling their family obligations. The main objective

is to shed light on how these experiences shape their lives, ultimately resulting in a

greater comprehension of the hardships they endure.

A key objective of this research is to determine the different elements that

motivate young adults to take on financial responsibilities for their families. Grasping the

socio-economic factors, familial relationships, and personal drives that contribute to the

transition into adult roles is crucial for identifying the fundamental reasons behind this

occurrence. Whether due to necessity, societal expectations, or a scarcity of alternatives,

examining these motivating factors will offer important understanding of the structural

and individual elements that compel young adults to take on these adult-like roles.

This research seeks to illuminate the various challenges encountered by young

adults who are the main earners in their households. Since childhood is typically seen as a

period for education and personal growth, taking on adult responsibilities too early can

greatly impede their capacity to undergo regular social, educational, and emotional

development. It aims to promote the necessity of tackling these structural inequalities

through a comprehensive and compassionate examination of the individuals' lived

experiences. This study aims to highlight the importance of establishing support systems

that enable young adults to reclaim their youth and seek growth opportunities by
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concentrating on the emotional, social, and economic impacts of early family

responsibilities.

According to San Juan and Cruz's (2019) research, young adults' capacity to

flourish in both their personal and professional lives is greatly enhanced when they

receive financial, educational, and emotional assistance. In underprivileged

communities, where the need for young adults to take on family responsibilities is

frequently most evident, this study aims to demonstrate the necessity of such

interventions. By highlighting the human aspect of this problem, this study hopes to

support legislative changes that put youth needs ahead of economic pressure.

By concentrating on the little-known experience of young adults who provide for

their families, this study advances the more general domains of youth labor,

socioeconomic inequality, and mental health. Through recording these people's lived

experiences, this study will yield important qualitative information that can guide social

services and policy initiatives meant to lessen the burdens on young adults. It will add to

the body of research by offering a more thorough understanding of the ways that poverty,

education, and family dynamics intersect and continue to influence young Filipinos' early

acceptance of adult duties.

Additionally, social initiatives aimed at combating child labor have frequently

overlooked the special requirements of older kids, as Soriano and Torres (2020) point

out. The results of this study may lead to a stronger focus on offering financial and

psychological tools to assist young adults in striking a careful balance between

employment, education, and personal health. This study will highlight the significance of
 JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

reconsidering how society perceives and encourages the economic roles of youth by

adding to the scholarly and policy discourse.

The importance of resolving the problems confronted by young adults who are

compelled to take on duties beyond their years serves as the justification for this study.

The specific experiences of young adults who are prematurely pressed into the role of

breadwinner require more investigation, even though previous study has frequently

concentrated on the more general issues of poverty, child labor, or general youth

employment. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how these young people are

denied the chance to enjoy their childhood and the effects this has on their education,

personal growth, and hopes for the future.

Much of the discussion regarding youth labor has traditionally focused on

younger children, frequently neglecting the distinct challenges confronted by young

adults who juggle work with education or do not have access to formal job opportunities.

This omission in the literature necessitates a comprehensive qualitative study of the lived

experiences of young adults who support their families. These individuals encounter

specific socio-economic pressures that require prompt action, not just in terms of

assistance but also through policy reforms intended to alleviate poverty and enhance

access to education and employment opportunities for young people.

This research is also based on the necessity of establishing social systems that

ease the pressures on young adults, enabling them to chase their aspirations, participate in

educational opportunities, and create a brighter future for themselves. Without addressing
 JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

the root causes of youth labor, including systemic poverty and educational inequalities,

future generations will continue to experience similar hardships. Consequently, this

research is relevant, essential, and important in enhancing the wider conversation on

social justice, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment in the Philippines.

The early adoption of adult responsibilities by young adults in the Philippines is a

tragic socio-economic concern that robs them of their youthful innocence and profoundly

affects their emotional, educational, and career prospects. At a time when they ought to

be pursuing their aspirations, discovering their capabilities, and laying the groundwork

for the future, numerous young Filipinos are instead burdened by the significant

responsibility of supporting their families. The straightforward yet impactful question,

“Ma, anong ulam?” (“Mom, what’s for lunch/dinner?”), frequently reflects the quiet

battle these young people endure as they take on the role of provider, a duty that should

never be placed upon them. This research seeks to elevate their voices and illuminate the

unspoken hardships of individuals who, even while requiring care and direction

themselves, are compelled to act as the support system for others. By qualitatively

examining their experiences, this study will reveal how poverty, family obligations, and

educational inequalities intertwine in their lives, ultimately depriving them of the chance

to enjoy a complete childhood. Ultimately, this study calls for reforms that will allow

these young adults to reclaim their right to education, growth, and a future filled with

hope. One young adult should not have to choose between childhood and survival, their

innocence was stolen, replaced by a freight that is too heavy for their young shoulders to

bear.
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Statement of the Problem

The general problem of this study is to examine the experiences,

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents/participants?

1.1 Age
1.2 Gender
1.3 Household Size
1.4 Employment Status

2. What are the key factors that lead young adults to assume the role of primary financial
providers for their families?

2.1 Socio-economic factors

3. How do young adults manage the psychological and emotional stress associated with
being the primary financial providers for their families?

3.1 What emotional strains do they experience

4. Access to Social and Government Support Services (Intervention)

4.1 Awareness
4.2 Educational Assistance
4.3 Social Assistance

Significant of the Study

This study is all about exploring the experiences of young adults who take on the

responsibility of supporting their families. By diving into the findings, this study hopes to
 JOSE C. FELICIANO COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

shed light on the challenges they encounter, the motivations driving their choices, and

how these responsibilities impact their personal and professional lives. A lot of students

find themselves in the tough position of balancing school and work to help their families

out.

This study could really help them see how their responsibilities affect their

academic performance, mental well-being, and social life. It also offers valuable insights

into managing time, handling stress, and understanding the support systems available to

them. Focusing on young adults who are stepping up to provide for their families is

crucial for grasping the socioeconomic, psychological, and relational challenges they

encounter. Many of these individuals face a lot of financial pressure, struggle to access

higher education, and have fewer chances to climb the career ladder. This can really

affect their long-term financial security and overall well-being.

When it comes to the psychological side of things, the pressure to provide can

really take is so important, it helps shape policies and develop support systems like

mental health services, job training, and financial aid that can lighten these loads and

enhance the well-being of young adults. It sheds light on the wider effects of early

caregiving roles, not just on individuals but on society as a whole. These young adults

deserve more than just recognition, they deserve the opportunity to flourish, without

having to carry the burden of the world on their shoulders.

Definition of Terms

Young adults, people who are ranging from 18 to 25 years old. They are "young"

in the nature of responsibility.

Working students, people who manages to balance their academics while

providing and making up their assumed responsibility.

Provide, this is an act of love for the young adult who assumed their

responsibility in their respective families at a young age. They provide financially,

emotionally, and mentally.

Financial Pressure, the restrains and problems that these young adults have

encountered as they try to survive. This pressure drives them to assume a big

responsibility.

Family, these are the group of people who care for and support each other. It is

also the main reason why these young adults wants to strive for stability in their

respective lives.