History

        Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 62, s. 2011, entitled Adopting the National Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Policy Framework, and DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2013, entitled Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10533, otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Batangas City began implementing the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program in 2016. The program was established in response to the presence of Indigenous Peoples communities in the city, particularly the Sama Bajau communities residing along the coastal areas of Barangays Wawa and Malitam, as well as a smaller group in Barangay Libjo.

           The initial implementation of the IPEd Program was spearheaded by the Schools Division Office of Batangas City under the leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Donato Bueno, with the late Epitacio Abela serving as the division IPEd focal person. At the school level, the program was actively supported and led by Dr. Leoncia B. Espina, then school head of Malitam Elementary School, and Dr. Aurea P. Ocon, school head of Wawa Elementary School. Their leadership played an important role in establishing a school environment that was responsive to the educational needs, cultural identity, and lived experiences of Sama Bajau learners.

           A significant milestone in the implementation of IPEd in Batangas City was the inclusion of Sama Bajau personnel in Wawa Elementary School. Ms. Arlene E. Alex, a Grade One teacher, and Ms. Daisy Pendor, a Learner Support Aide, became important partners in providing culturally responsive support to Sama Bajau learners. Their presence strengthened the connection between the school and the community and contributed to creating a more inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment.

           As the program continued to expand, Libjo Elementary School emerged as the newest IPEd implementing school. With more than 25 Sama Bajau learners, the school formally joined Malitam Elementary School and Wawa Elementary School in 2024 in adopting and implementing the IPEd Policy Framework. Under the leadership of Dr. Rica A. Suarez, Libjo Elementary School strengthened its efforts to address the educational needs of Sama Bajau learners and to integrate culturally responsive practices into the school's programs and learning experiences.

           The inclusion of Libjo Elementary School marked another important milestone in the continuing development of the IPEd Program in SDO Batangas City. From its initial implementation in 2016 in two schools serving established Sama Bajau communities, the program has progressively expanded its reach and strengthened its partnership with Indigenous communities. The collective efforts of DepEd personnel, school leaders, teachers, learner support personnel, parents, community members, and other stakeholders have helped advance the goal of providing inclusive, equitable, relevant, and culture-responsive education for Sama Bajau learners.

          Today, the IPEd Program of SDO Batangas City continues to uphold the principle that education for Indigenous learners should not only provide access to basic education but should also recognize, respect, and value their identity, culture, traditions, knowledge systems, and aspirations. Through the sustained implementation of the IPEd Policy Framework in Malitam Elementary School, Wawa Elementary School, and Libjo Elementary School, SDO Batangas City continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring that every Sama Bajau learner is given meaningful opportunities to learn, participate, and succeed while maintaining pride in their cultural heritage.

Tell viewers more about the club members. Do you need any prior experience to join? Is there an application process? Add photos of the club members below.