­­­­­­­­Panimula, Pamumuhay, Pagmamahal, and Pananatili: Experiences of Some Female Sex Workers in Puerto Princesa City

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Published: Dec 31, 2025
Keywords:
sex work, street-based sex workers, bar hosts, lived experiences, stigma

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Christian Jay B. Redison
Charlton Media Group, Puerto Princesa City
John Cedrix G. Bayking
Balay Silangan - Community-Based Drug Reformation Program, City Health Office, Puerto Princesa City
Jhanna Erika Cañedo
Braveheart Reading and Home-Based Tutorial Services, Puerto Princesa City
Cyrene Z. Dalumpines
Roots of Health, Puerto Princesa City
Jezzrell Jean M. Ganibo
Department of Labor and Employment, Puerto Princesa City

Abstract

Sex work is a prominent and often contested aspect of society worldwide, frequently challenging established social norms. Although sex work occurs through consensual transactions, it is profoundly impacted by societal judgment and persistent stigma (Weitzer, 2018). Recognizing that stigma is a critical problem in this field, this study aims to explore the lived experiences of selected female sex workers in Puerto Princesa City. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research examined eight participants—four street-based and four bar hosts—identified through snowball sampling. Guided by four themes, i.e., Panimula, Pamumuhay, Pagmamahal, and Pananatili, and Goffman’s Stigma Framework, the study reveals how stigma emerges from tensions between participants’ identities and prevailing cultural norms. Despite feeling stigmatized, many remain in sex work due to economic hardship and limited employment options linked to low educational attainment. The study highlights how economic hardship, cultural stigma, and systemic challenges shape the lived experiences of selected female sex workers in Puerto Princesa. It also recommends support from related agencies alongside government support aimed at reducing stigma and expanding access to healthcare services, capacity-building initiatives, and economic empowerment opportunities.

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Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Asian Journal of Resilience
Section
Research Articles
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Author Biographies

Christian Jay B. Redison, Charlton Media Group, Puerto Princesa City

Christian Jay B. Redison is a Registered Psychometrician who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, major in Clinical Psychology, from Palawan State University. During his clinical internship at the National Center for Mental Health’s Women and Children Protection Unit, he developed a group dynamics program designed to address anxiety and support emotional expression among young adults. He is currently a Conference Associate at Charlton Media Group, where he utilizes his leadership experience as a former student leader to assist in organizing conferences and corporate events. His research interests include educational, clinical, social, and applied psychology.

John Cedrix G. Bayking, Balay Silangan - Community-Based Drug Reformation Program, City Health Office, Puerto Princesa City

John Cedrix G. Bayking earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a major in Clinical Psychology, from Palawan State University. He gained experience as a clinical psychology intern at Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City. He currently works at Balay Silangan, a community-based drug rehabilitation program under the City Health Office, where he serves as a House Parent and Administrative Assistant I. In this role, he works directly with Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), assisting in their reformation activities, addressing their immediate concerns, and handling program documentation and administrative coordination. His work aligns with his research interests in emotional intelligence, stress, and applied psychology.

Jhanna Erika Cañedo, Braveheart Reading and Home-Based Tutorial Services, Puerto Princesa City

Jhanna Erika Cañedo is a Registered Psychometrician who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, majoring in Clinical Psychology, from Palawan State University. She completed her clinical psychology internship at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. She also worked as an instructor at Braveheart Reading and Home-Based Tutorial Services, where she provided tailored educational support and helped foster cognitive development in children. Her work aligns closely with her research interests, which include educational, developmental, clinical, counseling, and social psychology.

Cyrene Z. Dalumpines, Roots of Health, Puerto Princesa City

Cyrene Z. Dalumpines is a Registered Psychometrician who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, majoring in Clinical Psychology, from Palawan State University. She gained experience as a clinical psychology intern at Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City. She is currently involved in managing their construction business, overseeing employee activities, and handling various administrative tasks. Her research interests include clinical, counseling, and sports psychology.

Jezzrell Jean M. Ganibo, Department of Labor and Employment, Puerto Princesa City

Jezzrell Jean M. Ganibo is a Registered Psychometrician who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, majoring in Clinical Psychology, from Palawan State University. She has completed her work as a clinical psychology intern at Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City. She also served as a Project Assistant and Community-based HIV Screening Motivator at Roots of Health in Palawan, where she contributed to initiatives aimed at improving reproductive health and overall community well-being. Her research interests include clinical, counseling, and forensic psychology.