Experiences and Strategies: Supporting Livelihoods of Underemployed People in Barangay General Paulino Santos

This research aimed to describe the experiences of underemployed people and their subsistence strategies. The results in this study were gathered through a qualitative method, specifically narrative research design. The five participants were selected based on purposive sampling technique. In using narrative analysis, the recurring themes revealed that the underemployed people experienced financial instability, job difficulties due to a lack of educational attainment, and unprepared family planning. Meanwhile, the subsistence strategies in response to the experiences of the participants were allocation of responsibilities through spousal partners; financial management; entrepreneurial engagement; and seeking alternative resources. The study’s findings suggested an intervention program that aimed to aid the residents with their livelihood, and sought to provide underemployed individuals with means to maximize their income sources, specifically through a livelihood program collaborating with government agencies targeting the sustainable development goals of no poverty, decent work and economic growth. Through the collaboration among government agencies, underemployed individuals achieved their needs as well as their awareness and understanding of their condition. The findings were essential to the improvement of the community that sought to address the issues emerging amongst underemployed individuals. To further effectively sustain it, the researchers recommended conducting regular community profiling to track the recent situation, problems, and issues inside the community arising to possible solutions.