Exploring the demographic and contextual determinants of student dropouts in the School Division Office of Batangas City: Inputs for program development
Background: Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote every citizen’s right to quality education. Yet, the DepEd’s Learner Information System shows rising dropout rates in Batangas City: elementary increased from 0.33% to 1.48%, while junior and senior high combined rose from 2.10% to 2.69% between school years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger interventions, responsive policies, and sustained community-school partnerships to ensure learner retention and educational completion.
Aim: To examine the factors contributing to student dropout in the Schools Division of Batangas City.
Method/approach: This study used a mixed-methods design to examine demographic and contextual determinants of student dropouts in Batangas City. A total of 109 school heads were selected through purposive sampling, with quantitative data from LIS, surveys, and DepEd records analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data from FGDs and interviews examined through thematic analysis. Ethical approval was secured, and all participants provided informed consent or assent to ensure voluntary participation and confidentiality.
Results/findings: The Schools Division of Batangas City shows a persistent gender gap in dropout rates, with male learners and Grades 8 and 9 being more vulnerable. Causes vary by age: family instability in elementary, disengagement in junior and senior high, and financial pressures in later years. The study recommends stronger early identification and family-focused interventions through the full implementation of Project SAGIP (Student Assistance and Guidance Intervention Program), including guidance and mental health services, to integrate academic, socio-emotional, health, and extracurricular strategies to ensure sustainable learner retention.
Conclusion: Student dropout in Batangas City is shaped by family problems in elementary, disengagement in junior and senior high, and financial pressures in adolescence. Despite school interventions, many causes remain beyond institutional control, requiring stronger collaboration among schools, families, and communities. To address this, Project SAGIP (Student Assistance and Guidance Intervention Program) was developed as a holistic framework integrating academic, socio-emotional, health, and community strategies to support learners across K to 12.
Implications for children and families: You can help children and families by uncovering the interconnected causes of dropout and transforming them into actionable solutions.
Implications for practitioners: You can identify at-risk learners early and provide timely academic and socio-emotional support while strengthening early warning systems, family involvement, and guidance services.
Keywords: dropout, contributing factors, Project SAGIP
This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: