The University of Northern Philippines has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Pias Integrated School in Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. Held on March 7, 2024, the said endeavor, along with a roundtable discussion on teaching strategies and a research dissemination, was spearheaded by the UNP College of Teacher Education.

Signed by Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna (UNP President), Hon. Grazielle Gironella-Itchon (Salcedo mayor), and Dr. Veronica R. Vilog (district supervisor), the MOA is part of CTE’s “Securing Future: Mentoring the Mentor Program.” The programs primarily involved in the event are the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) and the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd). Also present during the event were Mr. Rogelio P. Amgao (school head), Mrs. Melanie S. Amameda (PTA president), and the CTE faculty.

Accordingly, the MOA “aims to integrate sustainable development principles into the school’s educational framework, championing the global agenda for a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. With the leadership of the College of Teacher Education, the academic institution recognizes the pivotal role it plays in shaping the minds of future leaders and change-makers, making the MOA a crucial milestone in fostering sustainable practices.”

As shared by Dr. Maria Theresa V. Forneas (BSEd program head), the endeavor highlights “how CTE is taking bold strides toward embracing sustainable and innovative pedagogies.”

The event has also become a platform for the CTE faculty to share pedagogical practices and research findings through a roundtable discussion. From integrating technology to promoting experiential learning, diverse perspectives converged to shape a roadmap for pedagogical advancement.

Meanwhile, the studies shared during the same event were “Gender Stereotypes in the Classroom: An Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study on Teachers’ Perception and Practices” (Dr. Jamaica V. Garcia), “Politeness Strategies in Online Classroom Chats” (Dr. Juvie Lynne T. Almachar), “Modeling on the Mathematics Problem-Solving Competency of Tertiary Students in the New Normal” (Dr. Mark Angelo C. Reotutar), and “Gender Mainstreaming in Student Organizations of a State University” (Dr. Victoria R. Arce).

The Professional and Future English Teachers Association (Pro-FETA) also donated books to the school during the event.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), CTE’s innovative practices shared aims to foster critical thinking, inclusivity, and environmental awareness within the educational framework.

Article by Mark Louie Tabunan. Photos by Maria Theresa V. Forneas.