INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE BUDGETING AND EXPENDITURES OF LOW-INCOME CLASS RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY POBLACION, NORALA, SOUTH COTABATO

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has greatly affected many people, especially their way of living. This study examined the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on household budgeting and expenditures. The data in this research were collected from 300 respondents who were residing in Poblacion, Norala, South Cotabato.
Results showed that the total household budgeting of the residents of Norala had an average decrease of 8.99% during the pandemic. The total household expenditures, on the other hand, dropped by 34.18% in average during the pandemic. Furthermore, it was found out that household budgeting on Health had an increase of 22.42% during the pandemic, having the highest percentage of increase. While Leisure and Recreation had the highest percentage of decrease, which is 26.22%. In addition, the results have also shown that Utility and Transportation had the highest increase in household expenses during pandemic, with an average of 38.44%. On the other hand, household expenses on Leisure and Recreation dropped by 73.3% during the pandemic, which shows the highest percentage of decrease.
Based on the gathered data, it shows that the budgeting and the expenses of households have increased and decreased in particular aspects during the pandemic. Therefore, the researchers came up to a conclusion that the COVID-19 Pandemic has influenced the household budgeting and expenses of the residents of Barangay Poblacion, Norala, South Cotabato.