CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Education equips individuals with practical skills, such as literacy, numeracy, critical

thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills. These skills are essential for personal

development and employability and are crucial for individual growth and the overall progress

of a nation. In the Philippines, the Senior High School (SHS) program was introduced as part

of the K-12 educational system to provide students with a more comprehensive and

specialized curriculum. Despite the educational reforms, students at the Ilocos Norte National

High School, like many other institutions, face numerous challenges, one of which is

economic inflation. (Abbasi et al., 2018)

Inflation is a continuous and complex issue that affects many parts of everyday life,

including education. It is defined by an ongoing surge in the overall price level of products

and services over time, leading to a decline in individual and family purchasing power. This

phenomenon has the potential to have a substantial influence on the financial well-being of

households, particularly those with little means. (Abbasi et al., 2018)

The effects of economic inflation are particularly felt by senior high school students at

Ilocos Norte National High School. They came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds,

and many face economic hardships that hinder their ability to access and benefit from quality

education. The rising cost of living, including increased prices for essential goods and

services, poses a substantial challenge to them and their families, making it difficult to afford

the necessary resources for academic success.

 This research intends to shed light on the intersection of economic challenges and

education, with a focus on how economic inflation affects the accessibility and quality of

education for senior high school students in Ilocos Norte National High School.

Understanding the challenges faced by senior high school students will provide valuable

insights for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders in devising strategies and

interventions to help students overcome these obstacles and succeed in their educational

pursuits.

Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted to determine the challenges faced by the senior high school

students amidst the economic inflation in Ilocos Norte National High School.

The researchers will be guided by the following questions:

1. What are the existing challenges the senior high school student is facing amidst the

economic inflation that affects their education?

2. What impacts do these challenges have on students' academic performance, mental

health and overall wellbeing?

3. How are the students able to cope up with the restrictions in reaction to economic

inflation?

Significance of the Study

 This study aims to provide important details for parents, teachers, schools and

government about the effects of inflation to the academic life of the students that could

provide them strategies or ideas that can improve students' financial resilience.

The result of the study will be of great benefit by the following sectors:

Students: It provides insights into the multifaceted impact of economic inflation on students

in Senior High Schools of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Helping parents and teachers better

understand the challenges these students face in terms of their academic performance and

overall well-being.

Parents and Teachers: By identifying the strategies students employ to navigate these

challenges, this study offers practical insights for teachers and parents, enabling them to

better support students during economic crises.

Government: It offers concrete recommendations for policy makers and educators to

enhance the quality and accessibility of education in times of economic crisis, ensuring that

students receive the support they need to succeed academically.

Schools: The study's findings can serve as a catalyst for further investigations, suggesting

potential areas of focus for researchers interested in the complex relationship between

economic conditions and education.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the challenges faced by the senior high school students of

Ilocos Norte National High School amidst the Economic inflation. The participants will be

senior high school students of Ilocos Norte National High School which aims to determine
their challenges amidst the economic inflation. The researchers will consider 8 respondents

from different strand to prevent bias data and to collect objective perception from the

students.

This study will utilize an interview considering the availability of the respondents.

The researchers will make a set of questions to be able to come up with the data that will be

used in the formulation of results and conclusion of this study.

Definition of Terms

Economic crisis. A circumstance in which a country’s economy suffers from a large

downturn. Whereas the country would face different disruption such as fall in economic

output, increased unemployment, financial instability.

Inflationary environment. It is when consumers’ purchasing power decreases as the prices

hikes.

Inflation. A sustained rise in the general price level of goods and services within an economy

Economic inflation. It is a measure of how much expensive a set of goods and services has

become over a certain period of time in a economy.

Challenges. Something that puts you to test.

INNHS. Ilocos Norte National High School also known as INNHS is a public high school

Institution.

SHS. Senior High School is a two year extension of K-12 program, in which students who

completed Junior High School can choose a track and strand as a preparatory for

undergraduate education.
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE & STUDIES

Economic Inflation Data

Open Access Government (2023) states that 75% of respondents had financial

problems, and 65% were depressed or anxious based on their study. Therefore this highlights

the pressing need for economic considerations and student mental health and well-being to be

addressed by lawmakers, educational institutions, and communities. We can provide students

with better assistance during economic instability and guarantee their well-being by

researching the effects of inflation on their mental health.

Effects of Inflation to the society

According to Claeys G. and L. Guetta – Jeanrenaud (2022), the people who are most

affected by the growing rate of economic inflation are those with less incomes. When it

comes to how inflation affects students' academic lives, there are a lot of implications and

challenges that arise during times of financial pressure.

Over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of a peso, thereby lowering its

value. Inflation causes losses for both consumers and the overall economy. Inflation is

generally caused by two main factors: 1.) Increased demand for products and services such

that consumer demand exceeds available supply 2.) Increased costs of production (e.g., raw

materials and labor). According to Compassion International (2021), inflation intensifies

challenges by making essential goods like food and transportation more expensive not only

for students but for everyone in the society.

Currently, the present data of EDUFUND Education Inflation is at 10 % - 12% and

parents are finding it impossible to meet the growing fee structure and associated educational

costs. The above normal rate makes it difficult for parents to educate their children at

primary, secondary, and especially higher levels.

Effects of inflation to the students

The sudden economic inflation makes the value of student’s allowances decreases.

Patnubay, M.S.C.A (2023) studied that the usual P500 weekly allowance during the pre-

pandemic was bumped to P1,000 just to meet the demands of commuting expenditures. That

at least half of the peoples allowance is allocated to public transportation expenses.

Inflation is one of the root causes of price hikes in the education sector. The essential

needs of students like food, school materials, school fees, and transportation costs have

become so expensive that it is slowly becoming impossible for an average student to afford

education. Increasing cost of living necessities for students, such as housing, fod, and

transportation. As well as tuitions , making it more crucial for them to save money and save

as much as they can. This can price some people out of the market for education, which can

lead to inequality. Inflation can also reduce the value of investments in education, which can

deter people from investing in it. On the other hand, inflation can also have a positive effect

on education by increasing the demand for it. This can lead to more investment in education

and more innovation in the field.

 According to Gowen, Financial Matters (2022), Inflation can hurt education in several

ways. The first effect is to raise the cost of school fees, which has been increasing for many

years interest. The result of Avila (2019) about the effects of inflation resulted to knowing

that public secondary student’s adapted changes on their budget consumption and decisions

along increased spending, altered preferences, and reduction of quantity of consumption. The

Open Access Government (2023) also agreed that as inflation rises, more students are

reporting worsening mental health issues. As they struggle to pay for school fees, many

students are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Many students experience

mental strain from working longer hours or taking on additional jobs to make ends meet

while attending school full-time. Some students sacrifice their physical and emotional health

for financial stability because juggling work and school is difficult. Financial pressures

caused by rising inflation are worsening a student mental health crisis. This emphasizes the

need for institutions, policymakers, and society to address inflation’s root causes and support

those suffering from it.

 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

The approach used in the qualitative research study on the difficulties senior

high school students encounter in the face of inflationary economic conditions is described in

this chapter. The goal of this chapter is to provide readers with a thorough overview of the

study design, data collection techniques, and analysis steps utilized to investigate how senior

high school students managed their education while experiencing inflationary economic

problems.

Research Design

A qualitative study approach was found to be the most appropriate for capturing the

complex and individualized experiences of Senior High School students. The researchers use

a phenomenological methodology intending to explore students' real-world experiences as

they deal with issues related to inflation in the economy. A thorough examination of

respondents' viewpoints is made possible by phenomenology, providing the researchers with

their perceptions, emotions, coping mechanisms, and a comprehensive understanding of the

challenges they encounter during periods of economic inflation, which also illuminates the

interpretations that individuals make of their experiences.

 Purposive sampling is used in this study to choose individuals who have personally

dealt with the difficulties brought on by economic inflation while they were in their final year

of high school. The sample will be selected to represent a wide range of experiences from

different geographic and socioeconomic origins. Students who are presently enrolled in

senior high school will be the focus of the inclusion criteria, ensuring that the participants can

offer pertinent and up-to-date insights into the difficulties experienced amid economic

inflation.

Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data which enabled a detailed

investigation of individual experiences. Narratives on the effects of economic inflation on a

student's education, family relationships, and future goals were elicited by the interview

questions. To find recurrent themes and important patterns in the gathered data, thematic

analysis was used. The qualitative data was coded, categorized, and interpreted as part of the

analytic process to provide a thorough knowledge of the difficulties senior high school

students confront in the face of economic inflation.

Research Instrument

The researcher had gathered on the study about the Challenges Face by the Senior High

School Students Amidst the Economic Inflation, through an interview. We also prepared

interview guide questions regarding the certain topic we made above-mentioned.

Respondents will be asked to answer the questions regarding their Challenges Amidst the

Economic Inflation. Through this, the researchers asked permissions to the participants to

audio record the interview for the researchers to transcribe the conversation.
Locale of the Study

This qualitative research will take place at Ilocos Norte National High School,

situated on Ablan Avenue in Barangay 4, Laoag City. More precisely, it will focus on the

Senior High School Building.

The participants will be Senior High School students from various strands at the

school: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Humanities and Social

Sciences; Accountancy, Business, and Management; and Arts and Design.

Data Gathering Procedure

After randomly selecting the respondents to be interviewed, a consent form will be

given to each of them before the interview and will serve as a document proving that they

have given their permission for them to be interviewed by the researchers. The permission

form includes a brief summary of the study along with information about confidentiality. The

interviewer will notify the respondents when the actual interview and recording begin once

they have signed the consent form.

Following the interviewing of every respondent, the recorded responses will be turned

into texts for analysis.

Respondents and Sampling Procedure

 Purposive sampling, or specifically interviewing will be used in this study. The

respondents of the study will be 6 senior high school student of INNHS, which is 2 ABM, 2

STEM, 1 HUMSS, and 1 A&D enrolled for the academic year 2023-2024.

Each of the respondents will be interviewed because "interviews enable in-depth

exploration of lived experiences, revealing underlying motivations and intricate details not

easily obtained through quantitative methods alone" (Patton, 2015; Creswell & Creswell,

2017). Moreover, since senior high school students are at a critical moment in turning into

adulthood. Which means understanding their perceptions of economic factors like inflation

can contribute to a comprehensive analysis of a wider community impact.

Data Analysis

The researchers will present the gathered and compiled data in this section. The

collected information was examined and subjected to thematic analysis. Using this strategy,

participant data will be sorted according to common themes or characteristics. Thematic

analysis, which places an emphasis on finding, examining, and understanding patterns in the

significance of collected data, was applied. To categorize the participants' opinions and

thoughts on the subject into themes that are relevant to the study, the data will be reviewed

and analysed.

The data will be evaluated, summarized, and concluded once it has been interpreted.
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the results, analysis, and interpretation of the data gathered on

the challenges faced by the Senior High School Students amidst economic inflation. The

researchers utilized an unstructured interview as their data-gathering instrument. The study

was conducted last December 13, 2023. There were 6 participants in the study. The audio

transcriptions were then gathered and tabulated.

The data collected were analyzed qualitatively with a thematic approach. In the case

of this research study, raw qualitative data came in the form of narratives provided by the

respondents as audio-recorded answers to the open ended survey questions. Using a thematic

approach, the trends and patterns that emerged from the narrative data were documented and

examined.

Challenges of Students
Table 1. Summary of result on “How students are affected by the raise in economic inflation

in terms of education”

Significant statements Categories Theme

“Prices are higher and that causes  Increase in prices Challenges of the

more money to be spent on  Insufficient allowance students

educational materials.”  Expenses do not meet

with the budget

“My allowance is no longer enough  Budgeting aspects and

for food, transportation and school motivation to study

materials compared to its value  Allotted money is

before.” mainly used in

transportation

“My expenses, like basic needs as  Budgeting

someone who lives in an apartment

without my parents"

"Mainly for me, it affects the

budgeting aspect as a student, and my

motivation to study”

“I only get allowance that is enough

for my daily transportation, in which

sometimes, I don’t eat snacks just to

save money to use for it”

 "Budgeting your money”

Table 1 shows the results on the existing challenges that the students are facing amidst

the economic inflation that affects their education. Most responses of the participants are

experiencing difficulties in terms of their financial problems. As for the results in the table on

how students are affected by the raise in economic inflation in terms of education, the

majority of their answers shows that there is not enough allowance for them to spend with

their daily needs, which in turn, they needed to budget their money wisely.

Similar to what Patnubay (2023) discusses in their article, many students struggle to

make ends meet while also trying to manage their academic workload. This can be especially

challenging for those who don't have parents who can easily help them cover the costs of

school fees, school materials, food, and other essential expenses.

The lack of resources and support that many students face can have a profound impact

on their academic success. For instance, some students may have to save extra to pay for their

education, leaving them with little time to study or participate in extracurricular

activities. Others may have to choose between paying for essential needs at home and buying

school materials for group projects, which can hinder their academic performance. This can

have a lasting impact on their career prospects and earning potential, further perpetuating the

cycle of poverty.

Impacts of these Challenges

Table 2. Summary of result on “What impacts do these challenges have on your academic

performance, mental health and overall wellbeing”

Significant Statements Categories Theme

“In some it is really challenging. It -Challenging task Impacts of these

makes me overthink.” - Overthinking challenges

- Academic anxiety

“No impacts on my academic and - Mental health

mental health but it has an impact on - Financial strategy and planning

my health since I can no longer afford - Critical thinking

a food to eat.”

“On mental health aspect I get

anxious if we have school contribution

that I have to minus on my allowance

which is supposed to be for food. “

"In the aspect of academic

performance, inflation rate makes me

more conscious of my spending habits,

and that in turn, affects certain

activities that I have to work on.”

“No impacts on my academic and

 mental health but it has an impact on

my health since I can no longer afford

a food to eat.”

“On mental health aspect I get

anxious if we have school contribution

that I have to minus on my allowance

which is supposed to be for food. “

Table 2 shows the results displays respondents' different views on the impacts of

challenges on academic performance, mental health, and overall wellbeing. The findings

highlight the significant impact of challenges on individuals' well-being. The constant mental

impact of overthinking can take a toll on mental health, and difficulty of making decisions.

Financial limitations, especially the inability to afford basic necessities like food and

transportation can create a constant state of stress and uncertainty, impacting both physical

and mental health.

The results also show that anxiety arises in the academic performances and health

aspect when school contributions are deducted from allowances intended for food.

Respondents also linked the inflation rate with increased awareness of spending habits,

impacting specific activities related to academic performance. The results can be similar to

this research entitled Skyrocketing inflation worsens &student mental health crisis by Open

Access Government. (2023, May 18) which states the effects of inflation on students are well-

being, such as increased stress, anxiety, burnout, and uncertainty.

Coping Mechanism of Students

Table 3. Summary of result in “How are you able to cope up with the restrictions in reaction

to economic inflation”

Significant Statements Categories Theme

“I just make sure I spend money well.”  Saving up Coping mechanism of

“Save up and Budgeting.”  Budgeting students

“Saving up money.”  Spend less

“I think the best strategy for me is just  Financial

to save a lot and spend less.” planning

“I’m controlling myself in prioritizing

my spending on my interest so I can

save a little bit of money.”

“Strict financial planning.”

Table 3 shows the results on how to cope up with the restrictions in reaction to

economic inflation. In response to the challenges posed by economic inflation, participants in

the study overwhelmingly emphasized the importance of financial well-being. Their answers

predominantly centred on strategic savings and tight financial planning as crucial strategies

for navigating the limitations imposed by rising costs.

The table also shows that the participants emphasized the importance of having a

financial plan. Some highlighted the importance of creating a budget, while others

emphasized the need for identifying and eliminating unnecessary

expenses. Additionally, various approaches to tight financial planning emerged, such as

barrowing materials instead of buying, exploring alternative and more affordable options for

essential goods and services, and seeking out additional income streams to offset rising costs.

This means things like tracking your income and expenses, setting budget goals, and making

sure that you have enough money saved up to cover unexpected costs. The result is

corroborated by a study entitled The Affordability Solution: A Systematic Review of Open

Educational Resources by Institute of Education Sciences ( Sep 2023 ) that students reported

incentives such as cost savings, accessibility, and increased academic engagement when

using OER, but also reported technological and institutional barriers to using and adopting

these materials. Overall, the table shows that there are a number of different things that

people can do to cope with economic inflation. The most important thing is to find strategies

that work for you and your family.

 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARY

This study aims to dertermine the challenges faced by the Senior High School

students during the raise of economic inflation. Specifically, it looked up to answer the

following questions (1) What are the existing challenges that students are facing amidst the

economic inflation that affects your education? (2) What impacts do the challenges have

affected your academic performance, mental health and overall wellbeing? (3) How are the

students able to cope up with the restrictions in reaction to economic inflation?

The sampling design that was used in the study was Purposive sampling. Purposive

sampling is a non-probability sampling technique in which study participants are hand-

selected based on specific criteria to be included in the sample frame. It is the most

appropriate type of non-probability sampling for a study that requires analysis of struggling

students. This is the most effective approach for the participants since it allows a deliberate
selection of a sample from each segment, guaranteeing that the procedure is conducted by the

study.

A letter to the respondents and a request letter addressed to the assistant principal

were written to seek permission to appoint oral interview with the available Senior High

School students at Ilocos Norte National High School. Data for the study were gathered by

the researchers using unstructured interviews, which were conducted on December 13, 2023.

Six (6) Senior High School students were selected purposively for the study. The oral

interview was set through the availability of the respondents during school hours. The

responses were then gathered, transcribed, and tabulated.

After assessing the collected data, first of all, the students' view on inflation includes the

worry of continuous raising of prices, and having insufficient budget to come up with the

expenses, therefore, their allowance is not enough to buy some things that are needed with

regards of their obligations inside the school. Following that, financial issues will have an

impact on their studies, and their motivation to do it. Next, based on given the responses, it

was determined that the primary causes of difficulties faced by the students during economic

inflation were the high costs of necessities wherein expenses do not meet with their budgets,

which also leads to having inadequate allowance. Moreover, the respondents state that it

negatively impacted their mental health, in terms of having to consider having financial

strategies and plans which triggers their critical thinking, academic anxiety to fail, and

overthinking that they may not be able to cope up with the inflation. Lastly, some ways to

minimize the burden of inflation would be spending less to save up money, knowing how to

prioritise and differentiate needs and wants, and proper budgeting through being conservative

and cautious.
 CONCLUSION

Based on the findings gathered from interviews, the researchers have managed to

draw several conclusions. Among the 8 respondents representing HUMMS, STEM, A&D,

and ABM, it was revealed that the impact of inflation on their well-being is the inability to

afford enough food due to reduced purchasing power. The study also showed a need for

budgeting and careful monitoring of allowances among all students to manage the challenges

of the inflation. Some students chooses to skip meals or snack breaks to allocate their

allowance for transportation and school contributions. It also shows that there's a connection

between inflation challenges and stress or anxiety, particularly on academic contributions and

spending habits. But based on the answers they provided, we conclude that students are

shown to adapt and enhance their coping strategies in response to economic inflation, making

strategies such as saving money, effective budgeting, and financial planning into their daily

lives.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Schools should take into consideration the financial situation and abilities of Senior High

School students in order to reduce financial restraints when it comes to purchasing resources

and requirements as inflation threatens the financial stability of Senior High School students.

2. Students should make a budget that places a higher priority on necessities and reduces non-

necessities. Seek methods to cut costs, such as locating less expensive options, and exercise

caution when making purchases by keeping an eye on the costs to prevent going over budget.
3. The government should impose price restrictions and offer financial help to low-income

people to lessen the effects of inflation. They can get extra resources to aid in their financial

management through these policies and programs.

4. Similar studies can be conducted using a different grade level.

5. Similar studies should add more of its variability for better accuracy of results.

6. Future studies may include more respondents to better understand a wide variety of results

on the challenges faced by the Senior High School students amidst the economic inflation.

7. The study can lay the groundwork for future studies on the topic of challenges amidst the

economic inflation. By increasing our knowledge of the current financial status of senior high

school students, we look to seek solutions in order to alleviate and improve the way they live.