SOCIO-ECONOMIC, POLITICAL ORIENTATIONS, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE IN SALOMAGUE ISLAND IN MARINDUQUE, PHILIPPINES: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Not all people in provinces have good access to social, economic, literacy development. Those living in far-flung areas are literally disadvantaged in those areas due to some factors like distance and accessibility, funding support, and interest of those who are in-charge of them. This study aimed to explore socio-economic, political orientations, as and the literacy development of residents of Salomague Island, Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines. In order to achieve the research goals, the researchers explored the place and observed the ways of living of the residents. This study employed phenomenological design with lived experiences, field observation, and interview as data gathering processes. Series of field observation in the island and interview to respondents were done to acquire accurately detailed information about personal perceptions, opinions and knowledge from respondents. This study concludes that people in the island are of great disadvantaged due to its geographical location and limited supply for sustainable living. The island does not have the sustainable source of basic commodities, electricity and water.  The absence of social development facilities such as school and facility for recreational activities hinders the growth and development of the residents especially the young ones. These factors contribute to illiteracy rates among residents in the island. Further, the unclear boundary policies and strict implementation of fishing policies made the residents suffer from limited source of income. The findings inspire the researchers to craft an extension program for the residents’ socio-economic, political, and literacy development.

Keywords:  Socio-economic, Political Orientations, Literacy Development, Phenomenology, Salomague Island