One of the most affected sectors in the implementation of restrictions for the prevention of COVID-19 in the Philippines is education. To ensure the continuity of learning, students were enrolled in modular distance learning. These changes in the routine and way of learning may trigger stress to adolescents. Although adolescent stress and coping strategies have been widely investigated, there is a paucity of research regarding their response to a new mode of learning in a setting of a pandemic. This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative design to determine the perceived stress and coping strategies of Senior High School learners in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte and to compare the differences across varying demographic characteristics. The study was participated by 275 learners from 3 different schools. The perceived stress level was determined using the Perceived Stress Scale–14 (PSS-14) while the coping strategies were identified utilizing the Brief - Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (Brief-COPE). Data analysis was done through SPSS, utilizing descriptive analysis, t-test, and ANOVA with the Post hoc Bonferroni test. The mean average of the perceived stress level of all respondents is 28.92. Results show that JRMSU (32.86) students have significantly (p=0.00) higher stress scores than JSMCHS (28.98) and SNHS (28.25). Other characteristics showed no significant differences in stress levels. Regarding their coping strategies, most students utilize the adaptive coping types. Specifically, religion is the most used coping strategy with a mean score of 6.39, followed by acceptance and active coping both with a mean score of 6.04. Substance use is more common in males, ages 18-19 years old, JRMSU students, and Grade 12 learners. Venting is significantly more common in 18-19 students and grade 12 students and humor is common in males. In conclusion, the perceived stress level of Senior High School learners is within moderate levels and the most co-mmonly used coping strategy among Senior High learners is religion.

Keyword: Stress and coping strategies Senior high school learners enrolled in modular distance learning