In the morning of January 13, the academic community of St. Paul University Iloilo gathered at the Marian Theater for a talk on the implications of ASEAN 2015 to Philippine Education with Dr. Isagani R. Cruz as speaker.
Dr. Isagani Cruz (center) with Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC, University President (right) and Dr. Flor Agnes Sy, Vice President for Academic Affairs (left)
Through the efforts of the University administrators and the members of the Faculty Development Committee of the University, SPUI was able to have Dr. Isagani Cruz who is a renowned columnist on education of Philippine Star and the president of Manila Times College. He is also a great contributor to Philippine literature after having written many plays, short stories and essays and eventually garnered the honor of being a member of Palanca Hall of Fame in 2004.
The event started at 8:30 and ended some time at 12 noon. Together with the SPUI academic community, Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC, University President, warmly welcomed Dr. Cruz whose important talk intended to provide all SPUI educators a comprehensive view on the state of Philippine Education as of this year and the implications of the numerous innovations that have been introduced and will be implemented for the next academic years, most especially the K to 12, to the teachers and administrators. Moreover, Dr. Cruz clarified certain issues regarding the influence of ASEAN to Philippine education like the proposal to move the opening of the school year to September . However, the University simply has to wait till the Commission on Higher Education make an official announcement.
There are different reactions towards the K to 12 innovation in the Philippine educational system, but with the current numerous programs the University has, the challenge is not far from being won.