Exploring the Lived Experiences of Filipino Mothers as Sari-sari Store Owners During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kaunlaran Village, Caloocan City

Abstract

A sari-sari store is a socio-economic institution that has the greatest numerical presence in the neighborhoods of the Philippine community. Filipino mothers as their owners have become apparent because of how it allows them to earn money while attending to their domestic chores. In that case, women account for a major portion of the informal economy. This qualitative study then aims to answer the following research questions: (1) How did gender gaps in labor and employment crises in the country influence the prevalence of Filipino women in the informal economy, particularly as sari-sari store owners?; (2) What are the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of Filipino women as sari-sari store owners and as mothers?; (3) How did Filipinos mothers with sari-sari stores balance the competing work-family demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic?; and (4) How did the government programs or interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic assist the Filipino mothers with sari-sari stores as their primary source of livelihood?. A thematic analysis was utilized where thirteen themes were identified across the research questions and in accordance with the Feminist Standpoint Theory. The results showed that women established their sari-sari stores because their household income was insufficient and they needed to take care of their children. The pandemic produced multiple burdens on them because of their increased duties. Despite this, women were still able to balance their duties. The participants were not aided by any government policies and programs but they believe the assistance of the government is necessary to sustain their businesses. Thus, these findings may aid the policymakers in the employment sector in designing policies and programs that particularly address the needs of women, especially those who are sari-sari store owners.