Quezon City, Philippines — Samar Colleges, Inc., represented by President Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon, along with Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla, Senior Vice President for Academic Programs, Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, Senior Vice President for Programs Development and Quality Assurance, and Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro, Dean of the College of Education, is part of the delegation that attended the 1st CHED Teacher Education Summit, held at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, on December 10, 2024.

The event began with an opening message from Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CHED’s Director for the Office of Program and Standards. This was followed by the introduction of the keynote speaker, presented by Dr. Heracleo D. Lagrada, a member of CHED TP Teacher Education. CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela then delivered a compelling keynote address, highlighting the significance of the summit in advancing teacher education.

With the theme “Sulong, Teacher Education!” the summit brings together educators and administrators from various Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to explore innovative approaches and best practices in teacher education. The sessions aim to provide insights into the latest research, policy developments, and pedagogical strategies to enhance the quality of teacher education programs across the country.

The summit featured two plenary sessions. The first, “Looking Back and Moving Forward in Philippine Teacher Education,” was spearheaded by Dr. Valenzuela and included two sets of panel presentations and discussions.

The first set focused on Pursuing the Discourse of Teacher Quality and included the following topics:

• Are We Getting Quality Pre-service Students?

• Dr. Henry C. Encabo, Associate Professor VI, University of Southeastern Philippines

• In Search of Quality Pre-service Teachers: The PBEd Journey into Attracting the Best

• Ms. Diane I. Fajardo-Valencia, Deputy Executive Director for Policy Advocacy & Communications, Philippine Business for Education

• Are We Doing Better in the Licensure Examination for Teachers?

• Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Vice-Chair, Board of Professional Teachers, Professional Regulation Commission

• The Licensure Examination for Teachers and the First Three Years of Teaching

• Dr. Rivika C. Alda, Professor V, Cebu Normal University

The second set of panel presentations shifted the focus to Pursuing the Discourse of Relevance and included the following topics:

• Human-centered Design in Teacher Education

• Prof. Resty C. Collado, Innovation and Technology Support Officer, Miriam College, Quezon City

• Teacher Education in Emerging Challenged Areas

• Dr. Ricver P. Ureta, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of St. La Salle – Bacolod

• Global English-medium Education and Philippine Teacher Education

• Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, National Teachers College; Chairperson, TP Teacher Education, CHED

• Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education

• Engr. Ericson D. Dimaunahan, Director for Operations, Technology and Analytics, Institute of Digital Learning, Mapua University

• Lessons in Measuring Learner Engagement in Teacher Education

• Dr. Hilda C. Montaño, Professor, West Visayas State University

The second plenary session, “Centers of Innovation Rising: TEIs with the Best IDEAS in Focus,” was led by CHED TP Teacher Education Chairperson Dr. Edizon A. Fermin. He highlighted several TEIs that excel in implementing innovative teaching practices, community engagement initiatives, and research-driven approaches to education.

Samar College's participation in this event marks a significant step toward bringing valuable insights and strategies back to the academic community, as well as to improve performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers. This also embodies the school’s mantra, “Focus and Rise in Samar College,” as the whole school community works toward progress, with every stakeholder—faculty, staff, and students—rising together in pursuit of excellence.