A dedicated public-school teacher from Bukidnon, Junmerth Jorta, has been named one of the Top 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. His commitment to improving education, particularly in the remote indigenous community of Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan in San Fernando, Bukidnon, has earned him this international recognition.
Jorta, who was also a recipient of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Award, has tirelessly worked to provide quality education to indigenous students despite facing severe resource limitations. His initiatives, which include feeding programs, literacy enhancement, and community engagement, have significantly transformed the educational landscape in his community.
Transforming Education Through Grassroots Initiatives
From the outset, Jorta understood the hardships faced by students in Sitio Balugo. With no electricity, inadequate water supply, and limited access to radio or television-based instruction, learning opportunities were scarce. Determined to make a difference, he collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and private institutions to bring essential resources to his students.
Balugo Pagkaon Sakto Program
Recognizing that malnutrition hindered student performance, Jorta initiated the “Balugo Pagkaon Sakto” feeding program. This daily meal initiative, backed by partnerships with the HapagAsa Foundation, the municipal government, and the Department of Agriculture, has been running successfully for seven years. The program not only improved students’ health but also reduced absenteeism and dropout rates.
Basa Balugo Reading Initiative
Understanding the critical role of literacy, Jorta introduced the “Basa Balugo” reading program, which utilized culturally relevant learning materials in students’ first language. By integrating contextualized and indigenized reading materials, he enhanced literacy skills and comprehension among young learners. Regular home visits and family participation further strengthened the program’s impact, fostering a supportive learning environment beyond the classroom.
Special Class Program for Indigenous Students
Jorta also pioneered a special class program that specifically catered to indigenous learners. Over six years, ten indigenous students completed elementary education, with four currently pursuing secondary education. His advocacy for continuous learning bore fruit when one of his students, Willie Ilagan Batawan, became the first in their community to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2024.
Okay sa Balugo Program
To address school resource shortages, Jorta launched the “Okay sa Balugo” initiative, which mobilized support from private donors and stakeholders. Contributions included school supplies, health kits, and internet connectivity, enabling access to digital learning resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed radio-based teaching, ensuring uninterrupted education for his students.
Beyond Education: Infrastructure and Community Development
Jorta’s efforts extended beyond academics, as he advocated for improved community infrastructure. He played a key role in securing initial funding for a farm-to-market road project, easing transportation challenges for students and their families.
Over nearly eight years, Jorta has witnessed and responded to the struggles of his students and their families. Through his resilience and innovative approach, he has helped uplift the lives of many in Sitio Balugo, demonstrating how education can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Recognizing Exceptional Educators
The Global Teacher Prize, an annual award presented by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO, honors educators who make an outstanding impact in their field. The winner of the US$1 million prize will be selected from among the Top 50 finalists worldwide.
Jorta’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in education. His work not only empowers young learners but also strengthens entire communities, making him a worthy contender for this prestigious award.
