Plight of Teachers in Areas with Unstable Peace and Order: Some Stories to Tell

The main objective of the phenomenological study was to find out the experiences, coping mechanisms and insights of teachers who were assigned in the area with unstable situation in the province of Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley for the year 2015. In-depth-interview and focus group discussion were used in gathering the responses of 14 participants and key informants. The teachers expressed that they experienced disruption of classes, direct traumatic encounters, psychological distress, learners vulnerability to the situation, development of character, opportunities for support and assistance and grievance. Coping mechanisms include education and training for disaster preparation, vigilance, collaboration and support mechanism, grace under pressure and belief in divine intervention. Finally, the teachers shared also some notable insights like impact to the learners situation and the vital role of the teachers.