Abstract
This study aimed to explore the challenges teachers face and the practical strategies they employ in teaching the novel El Filibusterismo in the Division of Zambales during the School Year 2024–2025—the analyzed responses served as the basis for the development of instructional or intervention material. Using a phenomenological approach and thematic analysis of the participants' narratives, the researcher identified five significant challenges faced by teachers in teaching the novel: students' lack of interest in reading, limited vocabulary skills, insufficient and inappropriate instructional materials such as textbooks, the difficulty of implementing contextualized instruction, time and curriculum constraints, and limited technological skills and institutional support. From the collected and analyzed experiences of teachers regarding how they address these challenges, several themes emerged: establishing meaningful connections between the text and students' lived experiences, employing modern technology and creative formats, and using collaborative and reflective teaching methods. The study also triangulated teachers' responses with those of their students regarding their experiences with their teachers' instructional practices. Results revealed parallel insights: students also noted their lack of attention in reading and emphasized the importance of contextualized examples to deepen and enrich discussions. Practical approaches included collaborative activities, linking lessons to real-world contexts, and interactive strategies that used technology. Finally, the study recommends the use of the researcher-developed instructional analysis of El Filibusterismo, an intervention material, aligned with the new curriculum and focused on contextualization and innovative teaching methods, as a response to the challenges identified. It is also recommended that the material be reviewed to determine its effectiveness. Furthermore, future research is encouraged to continue strengthening the Filipino discipline, particularly through studies that focus on specific literary works.
