A TEACHER from Keupiyanan Te Balugo in Bukidnon has initiated projects that help prepare Indigenous Peoples students to succeed in life.

Junmerth Jorta, a 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardee, started the Indigenous Peoples Education in his community to provide IP learners with facilities compatible with their culture and child-friendly materials such as books, audio-visual materials, playground and clinics.

The teacher said his long-time dream can only be achieved through the help of multi-sectoral engagement and tangible support from IP education champions.

“I love to teach young children to dream big. I wanted to influence and inspire young learners to pursue their dreams. I want to continue doing my best for the countless IP children, helping them prepare at their early age for them to have the highest possible chances of becoming successful in the near future,” Jorta added.

The teacher shared that the dream to help the community started as a child as he joined different schools and church missions in the indigenous community of San Fernando.

He also experienced crossing rivers and climbing mountains to teach songs and stories to children, share the word of God and distribute relief goods.

“With that experience, I have seen the significant role of a teacher, and I have understood how difficult it is to become one. I chose to become an IP teacher because I have the heart for this vocation. I wanted to be a teacher to those IP learners who were considered the least, the lost and the last in our society,” Jorta said.