NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LEARNING KIT ON LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN BALILIHAN

This study aimed to conduct a needs assessment as the initial step toward developing a learning kit for teaching local history and cultural heritage in the municipality of Balilihan, Bohol. Anchored on the goal of promoting contextualized and culturally responsive education, the research sought to identify the most relevant historical topics and cultural heritage elements that should be included in future instructional materials. A quantitative approach using a descriptive-developmental research design was utilized to establish an empirical basis for conducting a needs assessment grounded in a review of historical and cultural sources. The instrument consisted of two parts: a Topic Importance Rating on Balilihan’s local history—categorized into the Origin, Spanish, American, Wartime, and Post-war and Contemporary periods—and an assessment of cultural heritage assets, where respondents selected the five most significant heritage elements from categories such as Natural, Movable, Built, Intangible, and Significant Personalities and Institutions. The results indicated that cultural experts perceived all historical periods and topics as highly needed, emphasizing a strong and consistent demand to integrate Balilihan’s local history into educational efforts. Likewise, the assessment identified key cultural heritage assets, including significant churches, landmarks, festivals, and natural sites, that were most valued by the respondents. It is concluded that there is a compelling and urgent need to develop a learning kit based on these findings. The needs assessment proved to be a crucial foundation in informing educational priorities and emphasized the role of education in preserving cultural memory.