Sustaining Needs over Pursuing Studies: A Case Study of Dropout Students Receiving Government Financial Aid

This qualitative investigation focused on the factors that lead to school dropout among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at B. Durano Integrated School, Danao City, Cebu, Philippine. This research is carried out in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which supports inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for everyone. The study utilized a phenomenological research design and thematic analysis and relied on in-depth interviews with purposively chosen former students who had dropped out despite receiving financial support through the 4Ps. The study revealed a variety of interconnected elements affecting dropout rates, such as family-related problems, peer pressure, low self-esteem and mental health issues, lack of academic motivation, and inadequate school support systems. Although financial aid tackled economic barriers, these findings emphasize the crucial influence of psychosocial and environmental factors on educational outcomes. The research highlights the necessity of support mechanisms that are integrated and focused on learners, in addition to conditional cash transfers. This would promote not just access to education, but also retention and completion. The study aids in the pursuit of SDG 4 at both the national and local levels by highlighting these neglected aspects and promoting comprehensive educational measures that guarantee all learners are included. It is advisable to conduct additional studies to investigate similar phenomena in different contexts and to create tailored dropout prevention strategies.