Kaksay na Pagpangugnan and Its Implication in the Lives of Young Tagakaolo Couples

Abstract

This study explored kaksay na pagpangugnan and its implication in the lives of young Tagakaolo couples. This study used phenomenological inquiry and purposive sampling. Data was gathered through In-depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The data analysis identified four themes in the Tagakaolo couples’ experiences with kaksay na pagpangugnan: financial problems will really dominate; socio-emotional challenges are also present; couples feel mixed regrets, happiness, and confusion; and parents are their support system. Twelve themes emerged as the challenges coping mechanisms of Tagakaolo couples’ who undergone kaksay na pagpangugnan: lack of money due to joblessness; difficulty of finding jobs due to lack of education; difficulty with household chores; support from parents still needed; frequent quarrels and misunderstanding, physical limitations of the body because of youth; limited freedom; had to find jobs as laborers; work hard for the future and ask help from mother; work every day and try to give child a good education; find ways to make a living; and engage in farming work not for self but for family. Another four themes emerged from the Tagakaolo couples’ insights: do not marry early; survival is difficult with early marriage; not much happiness is experienced; and multi-tasking has to be done. The study suggests that teachers and academic institutions could help create an intervention or remediation program for their students to mitigate early marriage.