Unveiling the Journey of Indigenous People (IP) Learners from the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)

Authors

  • Rochelle G. Onrejas Department of Education Region XII, Division of General Santos City, Lozano Elementary School, Philippines
  • Emie A. Genton, PhD Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63671/ijeir.v2i3.127

Keywords:

educational management, the journey of indigenous learners, GIDA, multiple case study, Philippines

Abstract

This multiple case study aimed to determine the journey of Indigenous People (IP) learners from the GIDA in Apopong District, Division of General Santos City. The participants of this study were (5) Indigenous People (IP) learners who were currently enrolled in Apopong District, Division of General Santos City. Five major challenges were identified, including lack of resources and limited teacher training, cultural barriers, experiences of discrimination, difficulties in persevering through hardships, and struggles in balancing cultural identity within the school setting. To address these difficulties, the learners employed coping strategies such as drawing strength from guidance, relying on the support of family and teachers, and maintaining focus and discipline in their studies. From these experiences, several insights were revealed, including the importance of perseverance when supported by others, the value of staying rooted in one’s culture as a source of pride and resilience, and the recognition that education serves as a transformative tool that uplifts not only the individual but also the community as a whole. These findings imply the need to strengthen culturally responsive support systems to better assist IP learners in overcoming educational barriers.

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Published

2026-07-03

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3: July-September 2026

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Onrejas, R. G., & Genton, E. A. (2026). Unveiling the Journey of Indigenous People (IP) Learners from the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research, 2(3), 01-12. https://doi.org/10.63671/ijeir.v2i3.127

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