The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) equipped its newly-hired faculty members and non-education graduates with essential teaching skills through a two-day capability-building seminar-workshop held on September 25–26, 2025, at the UNP Hostel Function Hall. Organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) in partnership with the Instruction and Faculty Development Office (IFDO) and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), the event combined lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions led by experienced educators and university officials to strengthen teaching competencies and professional readiness.
The seminar was highlighted by the presence of Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shared an inspiring reflection on his early journey as an educator. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Navarro underscored the values of hard work and resilience, reminding participants that these qualities are not merely skills but defining traits that can shape their careers in teaching. “Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and let dedication be your constant companion,” he encouraged. His words resonated with the audience, motivating the new educators to face their responsibilities with determination and perseverance.
The first day of the seminar opened on September 25 with the session “Glimpse of the Teaching Profession cum Syllabi Preparation,” led by Dr. Luzviminda Relon, Director of IFDO. Dr. Relon underscored the pivotal role of well-crafted syllabi in ensuring effective instruction, equipping participants with practical strategies to design clear, coherent, and learner-centered course guides that align with intended outcomes.
This was followed by a presentation on the University’s Gender and Development (GAD) policies by Atty. Christian Casildo, Coordinator of the Center for Gender and Development. He stressed the need for inclusivity and gender sensitivity in fostering a respectful academic environment, reminding faculty members to uphold equity and cultivate a culture of support for both students and colleagues.
The topic of mental health was addressed by Ms. Glenny Angelica Barrientos, Guidance Counselor, in her session “Sustaining Sound Mental Health.” She highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental well-being for educators and learners alike, offering strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and maintain work-life balance. Her talk reinforced the message that nurturing mental health is crucial to long-term professional success and overall quality of life.
The first day wrapped up with an engaging session, “Into the World of Teaching,” delivered by Mr. Lester Aaron, Head of Curriculum and Instructional Materials. He walked participants through the basics of curriculum development and instructional material design, underscoring the value of innovation and creativity in addressing the varied needs of learners. His talk inspired faculty members to approach lesson planning with adaptability and imagination.
On September 26, the second day of the seminar, Dr. Mark Angelo Reotutar, Program Head of Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, took the floor with his lecture on “Assessing Learning Outcomes.” He introduced effective strategies for aligning assessments with learning objectives and stressed the importance of authentic and diverse tools to evaluate student understanding. His insights highlighted the role of continuous and reflective assessment in improving classroom practice.
The afternoon was devoted to collaborative workshops, where participants translated theory into practice. Group activities tasked faculty members to craft instructional materials and design assessment plans, which they later presented for feedback from facilitators. This interactive segment not only strengthened participants’ grasp of the topics but also fostered teamwork and peer learning.
Conceived as both a bridge for non-education graduates and an orientation for new hires, the capability-building seminar-workshop aimed to equip faculty with the pedagogical foundations necessary for effective teaching. Organizers expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance instructional quality at the University of Northern Philippines, ultimately enriching the learning experience of its students.
