Abstract
This study aims to develop educational resources through comics adapted from Blaan folk tales to enhance the comprehension and appreciation of Grade 7 students at Baluan National High School, General Santos City. These Blaan folk tales, part of the Blaan cultural heritage, offer valuable life lessons and traditions. By integrating comics, the researchers sought to support students’ focus and understanding of these narratives within the Filipino curriculum. Specifically, the objective of the study is to create localized comics that improve students’ reading comprehension and engagement. A research and development design was used to create a modern, contextualized comic based on the dissertation by Dr. Debbie Cruspero. The comic was evaluated for content, usability, appropriateness, and technical quality. Data from pre-tests, post-tests, and expert validations confirmed a significant improvement in students' understanding. Findings show that comics are effective in enhancing engagement with literature and cultural content. We recommend continuing to use such materials and developing similar projects for other regions to promote indigenous culture among youth.
