Reinforcing its drive for academic excellence, the University of Northern Philippines intensified its faculty development efforts by training 24 newly hired instructors and non-education graduates in effective teaching strategies, professional ethics, and institutional commitment during a two-day capability-building seminar-workshop on January 15–16, 2026.
The program, titled “Cultivating Commitment in the Academe,” was spearheaded by the Instruction and Faculty Development Office (IFDO) in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), and the Information and Communications Technology Office, highlighting the university’s holistic approach to nurture competent and dedicated educators.
Speaking on behalf of UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered an inspiring message that highlighted the indispensable role of faculty members in the academe. He reminded educators that their dedication to quality instruction goes beyond classroom teaching, as it directly shapes the intellectual, professional, and values formation of learners. Dr. Navarro further stressed that through consistent excellence in instruction, mentorship, and service, faculty members make a vital contribution not only to student development but also to the continued advancement, credibility, and success of the university as a whole.
Serving as the first resource speaker of the day, IFDO Director Dr. Luzviminda Relon led a session titled “Glimpse of the Teaching Profession cum Syllabi Preparation,” which combined reflective practice with practical instruction. The session opened with an interactive activity that encouraged participants to create caricatures symbolizing their lives as UNP teachers, fostering engagement and shared reflection among attendees.
In her lecture, Dr. Relon emphasized the syllabus as the foundation of effective teaching, noting its crucial role in aligning instruction, assessment, and intended learning outcomes. She further discussed the essential competencies demanded of educators in the 21st-century classroom, such as adaptability, creativity, and the use of learner-centered strategies. The session provided participants with deeper insights into the professional standards, core skills, and responsibilities expected of teachers as they navigate the demands of an evolving academic landscape.
In the afternoon session, Mr. Lester Aaron, Head of Curriculum and Instructional Materials Development, led participants into the world of teaching through an in-depth discussion on effective pedagogical practices. His lecture emphasized the application of constructive alignment, underscoring the importance of aligning teaching strategies with intended course outcomes to enhance learning effectiveness. Mr. Aaron also shared best practices in higher education, enriching the session with interactive activities such as the “Rope and Recall,” which allowed participants to experience and appreciate practical, learner-centered teaching techniques firsthand.
Capping off the first day’s sessions, Dr. Richard Arruejo, Head of the Information System Development and Security Office, presented an in-depth orientation on the University of Northern Philippines’ Student Information and Accounting System (SIAS) and Human Resource Information System (HRIS). Through a guided walkthrough, he familiarized participants with the key features and functions of the platforms, ensuring a clear understanding of their practical use and role in streamlining academic and administrative processes.
The seminar’s second day opened with a session led by Dr. Mark Angelo Reotutar, Program Head of the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, who delivered a comprehensive lecture on “Assessing Learning Outcomes.” The discussion focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in instructional planning, with particular emphasis on effective test construction and the development of a Table of Specifications.
Building on the lecture, Dr. Reotutar facilitated hands-on workshops that allowed faculty members to critically examine the alignment between learning outcomes and teaching activities, determine appropriate cognitive levels, and design assessment tasks accordingly. Participants then applied these principles by drafting their own Tables of Specifications. The day concluded with an afternoon session dedicated to the presentation and critique of the outputs, providing opportunities for feedback, reflection, and refinement of assessment practices.
To formally close the two-day activity, Ms. Mary Jane Ullero of the HRMO delivered the closing remarks, conveying her sincere appreciation to the participants for their active engagement and commitment. She emphasized the importance of carrying forward the knowledge, skills, and values gained from the activity, noting that these should help build confidence, reinforce a strong sense of purpose, and inspire continued meaningful participation in the academic life of the University of Northern Philippines. Ms. Ullero further called on the participants to collectively uphold and strengthen a culture of commitment, excellence, and service within the academe.
Article by Juvie Lynne Almachar
