Lived Experiences of Tapaseros: Their Social-Economic Situation

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the economic status of the workers known as Tapaseros in the sugarcane industry in the 4th District of Cebu. It highlighted the plight of the Tapaseros during off season in haciendas or sugarcane plantation and how they survived during that time. The results served as basis in devising a proposed Alternative Livelihood Program. This research applied the Phenomenology Qualitative method in determining the economic condition of the workers in the sugarcane plantation or Tapaseros in 4th District of Cebu Province. Ten informants were interviewed on their occupational problems and survival strategies during off milling season. Findings indicated that the life of Tapaseros was not easy, being often exposed to weather conditions especially in the midst of a climate change, as well as, a bad relationship between the management and the coworkers, thus, during off season they suffered poverty. It is recommended that the Local government through the support of non-government organizations and other private company to give an alternative livelihood program to the Tapaseros in the 4th district of Cebu.