The 2024 WCCI Philippines National Convention, themed “Transforming Our World: The Role of Education in Global Sustainability,” was held on October 12, 2024, at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila. The convention focused on the transformative role of education in promoting sustainability at the global and local levels. A delegation of 15 participants from St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP), led by Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, SPUP President and President of the WCCI Philippines Chapter, actively took part in the day-long event.
The primary objectives of the convention were to:
1. Strengthen the commitment to WCCI’s mission in local and international educational contexts.
2. Engage participants in networking and collaboration to implement Special Interest Groups (SIG) action plans.
3. Expand membership and participation in WCCI’s programs, projects, and activities both locally and internationally
The event commenced with the registration of participants followed by an invocation and the introduction of attendees. Sr. Merceditas Ang delivered the welcome message, where she emphasized the importance of strengthening WCCI’s mission and fostering collaboration among educators for the implementation of action plans under the SIGs.
The first keynote speaker, Dr. Joyce Pittman, professor emerita from Drexel University, shared her insights on the future of global education. She highlighted the significance of international collaboration in addressing educational challenges and advancing sustainability through transformative teaching practices. Dr. Maria José Sousa, from the University Institute of Lisbon, presented next, discussing the role of reshaping education for a sustainable world and providing examples of innovative policies and practices that can be adopted in diverse educational settings.
Following the keynote presentations, participants engaged in an open forum where educators exchanged views on integrating global sustainability concepts into their respective institutions. A group photo and networking session were held before the lunch break, which allowed further interaction among participants.
In the afternoon, the attendees participated in the Special Interest Groups (SIG) sessions, where SPUP delegates contributed to discussions on various thematic areas:
1. Global Citizenship Education – Facilitated by Sr. Flordeliza Deza, SPC.
2. Peace Education – Facilitated by Dr. Genevieve Kupang.
3. Environmental Education – Facilitated by Dr. Stella Galang.
4. Education for Social Transformation – Facilitated by Dr. Victoria Naval.
The SIGs focused on formulating action plans that could be implemented at both the institutional and national levels to promote education that aligns with global sustainability goals. Each group identified key challenges and proposed strategies for integrating these themes into classroom instruction and school policies.
The convention concluded with a presentation by Dr. Victoria Naval on ethical leadership in the era of artificial intelligence, urging educators to consider the ethical implications of AI in education while promoting sustainability and equity. SPUP’s active participation in the convention underscored the university’s commitment to global citizenship and transformative education.
The 2024 WCCI Philippines National Convention successfully fostered collaboration among educators and emphasized the critical role of education in addressing global sustainability challenges. SPUP delegates left the event equipped with new insights, strategies, and a renewed commitment to integrating sustainable practices into their educational programs and activities.
by: Dr. John Kit Masigan
