INNOTECH holds a blended Knowledge Forum for Teachers

SEAMEO INNOTECH held a Knowledge Forum on 30 September 2022 in celebration of the National Teacher’s Month and World Teacher’s Day. The half-day forum was held on blended mode; around 50 teachers and officials were invited to physically attend the forum at the INNOTECH Pearl Hall, while other invited teachers and education officials participated online via the Zoom platform. The whole event was also livestreamed through the INNOTECH Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The theme of the forum was “Hand in Hand we Stand – Parents, Teachers and the Community making a better world for our students.” It underlined the overall message of partnership for the 2022 National Teachers Month.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, INNOTECH Center Director and former Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, reminded everyone that in honoring and encouraging the teachers, we must always remember that all these are done for the learner, the children who will be future citizens of the country. “We need to pay attention to our learners…we should render quality education to all Filipino learners,” Dr. Briones said in her message.

Mr. Aniceto Sobrepena gave his message to the teachers through a video. In his message, he commended the teachers who, amid the challenges faced in the past two years, continued to facilitate learning with their passion and innovativeness. He also highlighted that learning during a pandemic would not be possible without the collaboration of the teachers, parents, and the community. “Teachers are more than happy to elevate the learning experience of students with the help of the stakeholders–parents, legal guardians, administrators, as well as the various actors that play significant roles in developing students’ learning environment,” he said.

After a rendition of popular Filipino songs and an early Christmas caroling treat by the Manila Concert Choir, the knowledge forum went on to presentations by three educators who represent the critical stakeholders in education. Metrobank Outstanding Filipino 2022 Teacher awardee, Dr. Christine Joy Aguila, shared her experiences as a teacher during the pandemic and how teachers can move forward in the new education setup. Assistant Professor Dr. Annalyn Capulong of the University of the Philippines – Diliman shared her perspective as a parent, a teacher, and a developmental psychologist. Dr. Carmela C. Oracion, Managing Director of the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, shared the importance of community involvement in schools.

A lively mini-workshop meant to explore the teachers’ inner strengths and inspire each other in overcoming challenges followed the presentations. A similar workshop was also done for the participants in Zoom.

SEAMEO INNOTECH has been organizing the National Teachers’ Month Forum for the past seven years as part of its contribution to the National Teachers’ Month celebration. Happy National Teacher’s Month and World Teacher’s Day to the teachers allover the world!