Philippine E-Journals

THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF THE “BATANG AMA”

Michael R. Malong | Sr. Fe Pelilia V. Hernandez

 

Abstract:

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the rural lived experiences of young fathers during their adolescence stage at President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU). Specifically, case study method was used to capture the essence of eleven young fathers’ experiences surrounding their conceptualization and enactment of fatherhood during their adolescence stage. Participants’ age ranged from 21 to 25, and became fathers between the ages of 17 to 19. All of them are Filipino college students and resident fathers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used during the interview to obtain a rich complete picture of their experiences. Purposive and snowball sampling was utilized to gather young fathers. Content analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data from the account of young father’s experiences during their adolescence stage. The results revealed that participants considered the birth of their child as a source of joy and turning point of their lives toward becoming a good father considering that they also continue to rely on their parents as their support system. Furthermore, one of the most striking results of the study was the young fathers seemed to be happy and grateful with the outcome despite all the trials and abrupt changes brought about by their actions. Another significant finding was the need of these adolescent fathers to finish school and seek employment to provide a better future caused some additional distress on the participants. The study generates and contributes additional information to the dearth literature pertaining to young fathers. It also provides a framework that will help and create programs, interventions and assistance to this marginalized population.