Hitchkuwela: The Lived Experiences of Students on Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking remains a common yet overlooked practice in rural areas of the Philippines, where economic limitations and inadequate public transportation compel students to rely on the generosity of strangers for mobility. Rooted in necessity, this mode of travel reveals the lived experiences of young individuals who persist in their education despite systemic barriers. This study explored the lived experiences of student hitchhikers in Tupi, South Cotabato, and examined the cultural, psychological, and social meanings embedded in their practice, which the researchers coined as “hitchkuwela”—a localized term combining hitchhiking and eskuwela (school) to capture the uniquely Filipino experience of commuting for education through informal means. Anchored in Sikolohiyang Pilipino and Social Exchange Theory, the research employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture authentic perspectives. Data were gathered from twenty-three students through semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion, then analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of thematic analysis. Findings revealed that hitchkuwela is shaped by both necessity and culture, reflecting Filipino values such as pakikipagkapwa-tao, bayanihan, diskarte, and pagtitipid. While participants experienced fear, uncertainty, and exposure to potential harm, they also encountered kindness, solidarity, and meaningful social interactions during their journeys. Hitchhiking was viewed not only as a cost-saving measure but also as an avenue for connection, resilience, and moral exchange grounded in trust and gratitude. Overall, the study shows that hitchkuwela, though often seen as risky, serves as a reflection of Filipino resilience and collective values, highlighting the intersection of poverty, education, and cultural empathy. It underscores the need for institutional and government interventions to ensure safe, affordable, and inclusive transportation systems that uphold the dignity and aspirations of student commuters.