Educational Challenges and Aspirations of Batak Learners in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

This study examined the demographic profile, and educational challenges in terms of access to education, learning environment, support, and curriculum, as well as aspirations, and relationships between variables among Batak parent and student respondents in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It involved 24 learner respondents and 24 parents. Utilizing a survey with both close-ended and open-ended questions, the study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design, collecting relevant data through interview, data were analyzed using frequency count and percentage. Additionally, mean scores were employed to evaluate educational challenges. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between student competency and perceived challenges. Results showed that the majority of parents were female, had finished elementary school, were aged between 32 and 45, were pure-blooded Batak, and were beneficiaries of the 4Ps program. Among the students, there were equal numbers of respondents in grades 5 and 6, mostly aged between 10 and 13, with a majority as  grade 6 pupils. Parents and students perceived a moderately low level of challenges in access to education and curriculum while reporting a low level of perception regarding educational support and learning environment. Despite the challenges encountered in education, both parents and learners remained optimistic about life. The study found no significant relationship between the demographic profiles of the parent respondents and the learner respondents concerning educational challenges. Similarly, there was no significant relationship between the demographic profiles of the parents and learner respondents regarding their aspirations, all with their educational challenges and their aspirations. The study recommended further exploration of additional factors that highly influence the education of the Batak.