Economic Survival of the Poorest Families Living in the Slum Areas of Zamboanga City, Philippines:  A Phenomenological Enquiry

This study investigates the economic survival strategies of the poorest families residing in the slum areas of Zamboanga City, Philippines, through a phenomenological approach. Drawing on in-depth interviews and participatory observations, the research uncovers how these households navigate extreme poverty through a combination of informal employment, social capital, and limited state support. The findings reveal that economic survival is sustained primarily through networks of family and community, alongside precarious work in the informal sector. Although government programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) provide temporary relief, they are insufficient to address the underlying structural causes of poverty. The research also highlights the gendered dimensions of survival, with women and children often carrying disproportionate burdens in sustaining household livelihoods. The study contributes to the literature on urban poverty, informal economies, and social protection, offering a deeper understanding of how the urban poor adapt to systemic inequalities. It also integrates social capital theory to frame these survival strategies, suggesting that both formal and informal systems must be strengthened to achieve long-term poverty alleviation. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at improving social protection schemes, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable livelihood opportunities. This research is pivotal in informing more effective, context-specific poverty reduction strategies in urban slums.