The World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI) Philippine Chapter held its 2019 national convention at St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) on January 18-20, 2019.
The WCCI is a transnational educational organization committed to advancing the achievement of a just and peaceful world community. Moreover, it is a non-governmental organization (NGO) under the United Nations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The 31st WCCI Philippines National Convention bannered the theme: “promotion of social inclusion, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability through global citizenship education.” Given the causes it is anchored on, the convention brought in about 200 participants, both professionals and students, from USA, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Philippines to Tuguegarao City.
After the welcome remarks of Sr. Merciditas Ang, SPC (University President) and Hon. Claire Callangan (City Councilor), Mrs. Emerita Garon (President, WCCI Philippine Chapter) delivered her report. Moreover, the first day featured two international plenary speakers: Dr. Toh Swee Hin (UNESCO Peace Laureate) and Dr. Charlotte Royeen (Dean and Professor, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago) who expounded Global Citizenship Education as a response to the challenges of contemporary times. Ambassador Rosalinda Tirona (WCCI Philippines Consultant) gave an inspirational “way forward” message to the assembly on the second day.
Research presentations and Special Interests Groups also tackled varied topics including the implementation of the 21st century lifelong skills, essential teacher competencies, ASEAN studies on peace education and sustainable development, innovative curriculum design, quality assurance, standards and assessment, and community development and service learning.
Other activities included: the welcome dinner hosted by SPUP where local and international students displayed cultural presentations; oath taking of the new officers of WCCI - Philippine Chapter; book fair; and a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Piat.