St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) actively participated in the first ASEAN Regional Conference of the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI)-Philippines on August 17-19, 2017 at the Novotel Araneta in Cubao, Quezon City. With the theme, “Towards a Sustainable WCCI-ASEAN Cooperation in Curriculum and Instruction,” the conference served as a convergence of educational leaders, researchers and students from the countries of the South East Asian Region as well as from the United States, Japan and Taiwan. The occasion was also made meaningful as the Philippines is the host-country of the Fiftieth Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this 2017.
On August 17, 2017 - SPUP's Basic Education Unit (BEU) - ASEAN dancers rendered a creative prayer through a dance interpretation in the opening ceremonies of the conference. This was followed by their well-applauded and world-class performance of the dances of the ASEAN Region as the Opening Salvo. The participants cheered as the BEU dancers skillfully performed the respective dances of their country and were also awed by the mastery and gracefulness of the dancers. The participants expressed their delight through their feedback; while, some event organizers invited the dancers for performances in the country and abroad.
The conference ensued with the Welcome Address of Hon. Herbert Bautista, (City Mayor of Quezon City); Opening Remarks of Hon. Emerita Garon (President, WCCI-Philippines) and the Keynote Speech of Dr. Patricia Licuanan (Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education), who highlighted the efforts of the Philippine Higher Education towards the ASEAN Integration. Plenary research presenters from Malaysia, Brunei and Lao PDR capped the morning session. Parallel research presentations were the main activity in the afternoon session; while, the evening activities were dedicated for socialization, singing and dance performances, launching of WCCI hymn and the opening of ASEAN exhibit.
The second day commenced with an ecumenical prayer followed by an orientation of WCCI's Special Interest Groups (SIG). In the plenary session, Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC (University President, SPUP) presented her paper on "Creating Learning Environments for the 21st Century: Implications for Student Learning and Global Citizenship," where she emphasized the competencies needed for the 21st Century Learning landscape. Accordingly, these global competencies respond to the challenges where learning becomes deeper, more relevant, self-directed, encompassing and lifelong.
After the presentation, the participants were led to their SIGs. SPUP participants shared insights and the practices of the University on Peace Education, Gender Education, Early Childhood Education, Community Development, Ethics and Values Education, Global Education and Environment and Sustainability Education. The SIG activity was again followed by parallel sessions of research presentations.
The last day of the conference coincided with the birth of former President Manuel Quezon. The Quezon City Government sponsored a heritage tour for the delegates at the Quezon Memorial Circle.