Dr. Christine Nabor Ferrer, Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education–Regional Office I, exhorted faculty members to “bring the world to UNP” during the Faculty In-Service Seminar 2024 held at the University Gymnasium on February 21-22, 2024.

With the demands of mobility of university students and faculty today, Dr. Ferrer described internationalization (IZN) as “not just about going abroad, but also about bringing the world to UNP.”

She added that with this situation, classrooms “become bridges across cultures, research collaborations solve global challenges, and students become ambassadors of intercultural intelligence and innovation.”

The affair was themed “Upskilling UNP Faculty in Sustaining Quality Instruction in the Context of Internationalization.”

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, University President, quipped that from “quality instruction” as the institution’s favorite buzzword, the shift in terms of context highlights the imperative for the faculty to “possess the expertise to deliver instruction that is not only academically excellent, but also culturally responsive and globally relevant.”

As such, UNP’s faculty development program highlights fostering intercultural competencies, integrating global perspectives into the curriculum, and utilizing innovative teaching methodologies, Dr. Cadorna added.

“By staying abreast of current trends and best practices in education, we can ensure that our beloved UNP remains relevant and impactful in a global context,” he emphasized.

Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also encouraged the faculty to embody the values expected of a UNPian teacher.

According to Dr. Luzviminda P. Relon, Director for Instruction and Faculty Development, the program aimed to provide the faculty an avenue to revisit their roles in the delivery of quality instruction amidst diversity, internationalization, and technological advancement, issues, and challenges and the importance of sound classroom management responsive to the needs of diverse learners.

In addition, it targeted that the faculty are able to determine their role in the age of AI and how AI can be maximized in the teaching-learning process; get capacitated in integrating the SDGs in the curriculum, syllabi, and instructional materials; and reflect on the ethical and admirable personal and professional qualities worthy of emulation by future professionals.

Dr. Dulce Marie B. Solis, Dean of the College of Teacher Education of the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, discussed the basics of classroom management.

Prof. Rosanne S. Agup, Dean of the UNP College of Communication and Information Technology, also presented how artificial intelligence (AI) can be embraced in the teaching-learning process.

However, she pointed out that this must be done with caution as it allows students to submit AI-generated requirements.

Lastly, Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus, chairperson of the Saint Louis University’s Institutional Reputation and Effectiveness Committee, focused on the processes of internationalizing the curriculum and integrating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the syllabi and in developing instructional materials. She also shared SLU’s experiences on applying for World University Rankings.