The College of Teacher Education (CTE) recently celebrated a dual event, bidding farewell to the seven SEA Teacher participants from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta and Universitas Borneo Tarakan, Indonesia. At the same time, it also welcomed a new batch from Universitas Pakuan, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Islamic University of Borneo Muhammad Arsyad al Banjari Banjarmasin, Indonesia, and Mahawittayalai Rajabhat Udon Thani, Thailand. The event was held at the UNP Hostel on October 30.

Dr. Sally A. Jarin, the OIC of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office, delivered an opening message. Dr. Jose P. Pichay, the internationalization focal person of CTE, presented an overview of the SEA Teacher exchange program. Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, extended additional greetings and encouragement.

Representatives from the new group, including Anisya Nur Hidayah, Changkajangfah Khamtanet, Berliana Malau, and Muhammad Luthfi Ramadhan, responded with appreciation for the welcome. Meanwhile, Winda Pumama Putri and Syafira Izza Sabrina, from the outgoing group, expressed gratitude for their experiences teaching in the Philippines.

The celebration featured performances by Physical Education and Arts-Dynamics Developers and Enthusiasts Club (PADDEC) members and a lively presentation by the Indonesian SEA teachers. 

The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Leilani Raquepo, assistant dean of CTE, followed by a friendly game of patintero with UNP-CTE students in front of the Administration Building, fostering camaraderie between the SEA teachers and UNP students.

Article by Jomarie Lopez. Photo by John Patrick Ecal.