Parolees’ Lived Experiences: Stories of Reformation

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of parolees in Dipolog and Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. It specifically explored the challenges they faced, their aspirations, and the impact of intervention programs on their quality of life. Ten parolees participated in in-depth interviews, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Thirteen major themes emerged, categorized into four areas: parolees’ experiences, coping strategies, aspirations, and intervention program outcomes. The findings revealed that parolees perceived themselves as victims of circumstances but acknowledged that the therapeutic community program provided them with a renewed sense of purpose. This study highlights how community-based corrections and intervention programs support social reintegration and personal transformation. However, the relatively small sample size may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the use of self-reported data may introduce bias, as participants might portray their experiences in a socially desirable manner. Future studies could involve a larger, more diverse group of parolees and incorporate quantitative data to complement qualitative findings. Conducting longitudinal studies could also provide insights into long-term reintegration outcomes.