Behind the Parents Light: A Case Study on the Academic Challenges of Overseas Filipino Workers Children

This study aimed to investigate the personal narratives and academic challenges faced by the left-behind children of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents. Conducted at Tupaz National High School in Tupaz, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, the research employed a qualitative multiple case study approach to gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of five purposively selected students, each with unique family and personal circumstances. The participants included: (a) a shy learner living with her father, grandmother, and brother, with her mother working abroad; (b) a struggling learner residing with his father, grandmother, and sister, also with a mother overseas; (c) a stubborn learner under the care of his aunt while his mother works abroad; (d) a sports-oriented learner living with grandparents and extended relatives, whose single mother is an OFW; and (e) an academically accomplished student from a broken family, also living with grandparents while his mother works overseas. The study revealed several shared academic and emotional challenges, including financial difficulties, a lack of academic guidance at home, and feelings of sadness and loneliness, particularly during special occasions. Despite these obstacles, the participants demonstrated resilience by engaging in coping mechanisms such as sports, peer interaction, mobile phone use, watching television, and attending social events. Significantly, all participants maintained a strong commitment to their education, articulated clear aspirations for the future, and expressed a heartfelt desire to eventually support their families so their mothers would no longer need to work abroad. These findings underscore the importance of targeted support systems for left-behind children and highlight their capacity for perseverance amid adversity.