Part II.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

There were two inter-related project phases, namely: First Phase – identification of learning needs,
development of local curriculum and development of learning materials, and Second Phase –
reproduction/printing of the learning materials, capacity-building and organization of learning group
sessions. These are interrelated in the sense that the outputs of the first phase were used as inputs
in the implementation of the second phase of the project.
The main objectives of the Action Research were to be able to develop a curriculum and literacy/
learning materials in the IPs own dialect based on the result of the community dialogue/survey,
and to use these learning materials in literacy sessions for illiterate Magbikin.
5. Action Research: Development Processes/Best Practices
To translate the objectives into action points, the following activities/strategies were undertaken:
Phase I
A. Community Needs Assessment, Development of Local Curriculum and Learning Materials
A.1 Community Needs Assessment: In the conduct of the community needs assessment, various
strategies were employed to maximize the generation of data/information regarding the community:
A.1.1. Community dialogue/orientation (Getting-to-Know You) – This was basically conducted
to establish rapport with the IP leaders and the other members of the Magbikin tribe.
A.1.2. Project Orientation – The orientation session was focused on the description, objectives
and procedure concerning how the action research was to be undertaken in the community.
A.1.3. Focused Group Discussion: Knowing the Community – After the orientation, a focused
group discussion was conducted to generate more information about the community in terms of
the following:
Accessibility: The Magbikin tribe is an indigenous group that lives in a community called
Barangay Kanawan in Morong, Bataan. The community lives on top of a rugged mountain
that can be reached only by foot (about half kilometre) after crossing a hanging bridge that
connects it with the main road from the town proper 20 kilometres away.
Environment: The environment is generally clean, with rich vegetation and fruit-bearing trees.
The natural springs from the mountain are the main source of running water piped into strategic
locations in the neighborhood and electric power is round the clock.
School Facilities: There is one complete elementary school in the community, but it is poorly
maintained in terms of physical facilities. Only a few of the graduates get into the secondary
level due to the inaccessibility of the high school which is located in the town proper about
15 km away. Students have to use the mountain trail and travel on foot.
Education and Literacy Level: The majority of elderly people do not know how to read,
nor write other than their names. They have been categorized as under the basic literacy level.
Since these indigenous people are not educated, unscrupulous politicians and businessmen
take advantage of them for personal gain.
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