Global Peace Foundation Philippines held the plenary episode of the Global Peace Education Webinar Series with the theme, “Solution to Education Challenges with Moral and Innovative Leadership” on June 25th via Zoom and Facebook Live. This is the first part of the webinar series crafted by GPF education initiatives to provide support and guidance to educators in this time of pandemic.
Three hundred and forty teachers, educational leaders and young professionals engaged in the knowledge-filled discussion brought by distinguished speakers from different sectors involved in educating this country’s youth. GPF Vice President for Education Dr. Tony Devine, Department of Education International Cooperation Office Dir. Margarita Ballesteros, and Frontlearners Inc. Co-Founder and Chairperson Leo De Velez comprised the panelists, with Elaine De Velez, Frontlearners Inc. Co-Founder and CEO, as moderator. They were joined in by other speakers: Dr. Dinah Mindo (GPF Education Program Chairperson and Trustee), Dr. Isabelita Borres (DepEd Regional Director of Zamboanga Peninsula), and Dr. Florida Labuguen (PSNEI Executive Director and GPF Trustee).
The panelists talked about the importance of having moral and innovative leaders in the field of education to guide and set an example to the students. Right now, the education system is not to be re-invented but rather, re-engineered to be able to fit the current situation the country is facing right now.
Face-to-face classes may not be an option but there are ways in which the students can still continue learning even at their homes. Education technology organizations like Frontlearners Inc. provide online and offline materials for students which promotes equity and inclusivity, since not everyone can afford to go online or even provide themselves with gadgets.
Moreover, educators need to think of their mental health balance too. A teacher should also consider his/her mental welfare so to adapt on new changes brought by the pandemic. It is important that an educator has a moral and spiritual standing so he/she can properly guide the students. Educators play a vital role in making their students goal-oriented, critical thinkers, and resilient as to face the challenges in life like the pandemic right now, that is why he/she should be capable of handling the situation.
It was evident in the webinar that cooperation of the public and private sector is very important to secure the future of the students. Training and webinars were made available online so that educators can continue to enrich their knowledge and wisdom to effectively support and guide this country’s students.
Everyone can move forward if there’s peace and unity with each other. With the help of proper education, one can realize his/her potential, life’s purpose, and contribute to the development of the human world. Collaboration is vital to achieve progress.
After the webinar, the attendees were asked to submit an evaluation form as to what are their takeaways from the seminar. Here are some of which:
“As educators, we serve as leaders to our learners, we need to upgrade to adapt and embrace the new normal not only on technical skills like being capable in using new platforms of teaching but also with good attitudes to conquer all challenges… we need to consider both moral and innovative leadership—a good combination to embrace the new normal in education system.” (R. De Guzman)
“We at the field of education are being challenged now because of the pandemic, but it is important to believe that any challenge can be faced and passed if you believe in the system, that there are many who are willing to help. It is not just our country that’s dealing with it. We must believe in our government that they are also doing their utmost part to create solutions. Together, working hand in hand with other individuals who are willing to render help. The future is NOW so we must decide on making appropriate actions now. Let us start by creating peace in ourselves, use this time to prepare and better face our students ready for this new normal.” (M. Popanes)
“We, teachers, are going to play a big role when it comes to education. So we must be prepared on how are we going to address the education challenges and on how we are going to become an efficient and effective teacher and leader.” (R. Descallar)
This webinar was made possible in cooperation with the Department of Education and Frontlearners Inc.. The next part of the series will be announced on GPF’s Facebook page.
