Impact of Typhoon Disasters on Child's Education: The Case of Students in Northern Barangays, Philippines

Abstract

Disasters like typhoon cause a threat to children's right to quality education.  This study utilized phenomenological method in order to investigate the vulnerabilities of ten (10) Junior High School students in the Northern Barangay of Tacloban City purposely selected as participants.  It employed Wa- Mbaleka model (2018) of data analysis anchored in coping mechanism theory of Lazarus and Folkman (1987) utilizing focus group discussions and questionnaires to gather data.  Findings revealed that typhoon cause high absenteeism, less academic learning hours, less syllabus coverage, health reasons, shortage of food, water and difficulty in transportation resulting to student's poor academic performance.  Social media, involvement in school activities and drop out from school were the identified coping mechanisms.  Results of the study provide inputs for teachers and school administrators to have adaptive strategies and culture of safety through disaster education.