Exploring Narratives of Resilience among Children of Overseas Filipino Worker Mothers

Parental migration has become a defining feature of many Filipino families as mothers increasingly seek overseas employment to provide economic stability, often resulting in prolonged separation from their children. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences, coping strategies, and aspirations of children of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) mothers in Maguindanao del Norte, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of fifteen Grade 5 and 6 pupils aged 11–13 whose mothers had been working abroad for at least one year. Data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Four themes emerged: Journey of an OFW’s Child, Impact on the Child, Resilience Techniques, and Hopeful Tomorrow. Findings revealed experiences of longing, emotional distance, and a desire for maternal presence, alongside reliance on fathers and extended family members and continued communication through digital platforms. Participants also described coping practices shaped by recognition of maternal sacrifice, perseverance, optimism, and educational aspirations aimed at supporting their families in the future. The study highlights the emotional and social realities of children living in transnational families. It underscores the importance of school-based psychosocial support, strengthened family–school partnerships, and community-responsive interventions to support children’s wellbeing. By foregrounding children’s perspectives within the BARMM context, this study contributes localized insights into transnational motherhood and child resilience, which may inform educators, policymakers, and social service providers in developing culturally responsive support systems.