The Lifeworld of Leaders in Remote Villages against Victimization in Mindanao, Philippines

This study explored the lived experiences and aspirations of leaders in remote villages in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, particularly in geographically isolated and conflict-affected communities. Anchored on Transformational Leadership Theory, Community Resilience Framework, and Conflict Theory, the study sought to understand how local leaders navigate socio-political adversities, sustain peacebuilding efforts, and envision the safety and development of their communities. Specifically, the study examined the experiences of village leaders in relation to government support and community collaboration, as well as their aspirations for enduring peace and sustainable development. A qualitative research design utilizing transcendental phenomenology was employed to capture the essence of the participants lived experiences. Ten (10) informants from remote villages in the municipalities of Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte, and Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, were purposively selected. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Findings revealed two major themes regarding the experiences of the informants: (1) strong and effective government program support and (2) community support and collaboration. The findings demonstrated that accessible government assistance, responsive governance, and active community participation significantly contributed to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion in remote villages. Likewise, two major themes emerged regarding the aspirations of the informants: (1) commitment to enduring peace and (2) pursuit of sustainable development. The informants expressed a strong desire to prevent the recurrence of armed conflict while promoting development initiatives that improve safety, stability, and quality of life. The study concludes that sustainable peace and security in remote villages require transformative local leadership, resilient communities, collaborative governance, and inclusive development interventions. The findings contribute to the growing literature on grassroots leadership, peacebuilding, and community resilience in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, Philippines.