Junmerth Jorta

Junmerth Jorta is a dedicated and transformative educator who has made a profound impact on the indigenous communities in Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, Philippines. Since being assigned in 2015, Junmerth has worked tirelessly to provide education to the Matigsalug people, who have faced cycles of poverty, hunger, and a lack of access to education. When he arrived, the community lacked accredited teachers, and students often remained trapped in Grade 1 for years due to inadequate resources. In response, Junmerth accepted the call to supervise the newly established Keupiyanan Te Balugo, a remote school that would become the focal point of his educational mission. 

He faced immense challenges, including navigating muddy roads, crossing 17 rivers, and dealing with language barriers, armed groups, and the lack of electricity. Yet, his commitment to the Matigsalug community turned these obstacles into opportunities for innovation. One of his key achievements was the development of the "Balugo PagkaonSakto" program, which provided free daily lunches to address hunger, one of the biggest barriers to education. This not only improved student attendance but also fostered a stronger sense of community, as families participated in the program. 

Junmerth established the "Basa Balugo" reading program to improve literacy among indigenous learners. He used culturally relevant and localized materials to help students transition from struggling readers to independent ones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he adapted by creating radio-based instruction and conducting house visits to ensure no child was left behind. 

Another significant achievement was the "OK sa Balugo" program bringing together community stakeholders to secure funding for school infrastructure, resulting in the construction of new classrooms, a stage, chairs, and sanitation facilities, transforming the school into a thriving hub of learning. Junmerth’s vision also extended beyond academics. He created a special class programme for young girls affected by early marriages, enabling them to continue their education. 

Through his work, Junmerth has inspired change, breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy that has plagued the community. His efforts have led to tangible outcomes, including the completion of elementary education by ten married indigenous students, most of whom have gone on to secondary education. Junmerth’s commitment to education earned him accolades including the 2018 Outstanding IP Teacher and the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award. 

His teaching is centered on cultural relevance, inclusivity, and community collaboration, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into the curriculum and using Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) to ensure lessons are meaningful and accessible. This emphasizes experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and values such as respect, collaboration, and sustainability. 

Beyond the classroom, Junmerth's influence extends into the community as an advocate for infrastructure improvements, including a farm-to-market road, and he participates in local environmental initiatives like tree planting and waste management, all efforts that help foster a sense of global citizenship, empowering his students to take responsibility for their local environment and beyond.   

Through his innovative programs, resilience, and dedication to service, Junmerth Jortahas become a beacon of hope for the Matigsalug people, proving education can uplift even the most underserved communities. His contributions to teaching, community development, and environmental sustainability demonstrate the transformative power of education in breaking down barriers and building a brighter future for all.