By: Kiel Vincent P. Fajardo

Edited by: Celia L. Singcol/Cynthia L. Abarquez

Pasay City West High School (PCWHS) hosted the ASEAN-UNESCO Learning Engagement Exhibit in the school gym on October 23, 2023.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros, Director IV of the International Cooperation Office; Mr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, Secretary-General of UNESCO Philippines; Dr. Andrew E. Tan, DepEd NCR Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in Araling Panlipunan (AP); Lyn Gutierrez, a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs; Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay City Mayor; Mark Calixto and Joey Calixto-Isidro, Pasay City Councilors; Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, OIC-Office of the Pasay City Schools Division Superintendent; Dr. Arturo A. Tolentino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Pasay City; and Librado F. Torres, Chief of Pasay City Curriculum Implementation Division. Other notable attendees were Mr. Selwyn Tenorio, Pasay City Education Program Specialist in SOCMOV; Mrs. Luevina Erni, Pasay City EPS in AP; various school heads and department heads from other public schools in Pasay; Mr. Agapito Teodoro N. Manaog, Principal of PCWHS; the President of PCWHS SPTA; a gathering of dedicated teachers, proud parents, and enthusiastic students.

In his speech, Mr. Henares urged the audience to take responsibility for preserving the various UNESCO heritage sites in the country, emphasizing, “Nanganganib na nga lamang silang mawala at tayong mga Pilipino ang dapat mangalaga nitong mga tanawin sa ating bansa.” He stressed the importance of safeguarding these UNESCO heritage sites as a legacy for future generations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ballesteros explained the concept of International Cooperation and its relevance to education. She emphasized that in our increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries that once separated nations, cultures, and educational systems are becoming more porous. She stated, “The challenges we face in education, whether they involve issues of access, quality, or relevance, are not confined by national borders.” Dr. Ballesteros highlighted that International Cooperation in education is about learning from one another and leveraging best practices and experiences from different countries to enhance education systems. She also stressed the shared aspirations for quality education, equity, and inclusion that bind nations together. She commended Dr. Andrew Tan and DepEd NCR for their advocacy of ASEAN awareness and global citizenship education.

The school’s dance troupe presented various cultural dances representing the heritage of ASEAN countries. Videos showcasing ASEAN cultural heritage were displayed between the dance performances. The Dance Troupe was trained by Mr. Canniel Q. Ordoñez and Mrs. Narcissa Lim.

Short messages were delivered by Dr. Andrew Tan, Ms. Lyn Gutierrez, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Councilors Joey Isidro and Mark Calixto, Dr. Tolentino, Mr. Torres, and Mrs. Erni. Dr. Torrecampo delivered an inspirational message, while Mr. Manaog welcomed the attendees.

The event, themed ‘Changing Course, Transforming Education,’ featured a variety of exhibits by PCWHS students, displayed in the school’s AVR. These exhibits showcased student artwork reflecting UNESCO cultural heritage sites, such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Thailand’s Wat Mahathat, among others. The students created these exhibits under the guidance of their AP teachers, highlighting UNESCO heritage sites in ASEAN countries.

Mrs. Piedad O. Diola and Mr. Ivan Renz Samia emceed the event. The PCWHS Chorale and Angklung Ensemble led the invocation as well as the singing of the National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, NCR Hymn, and the Pasay Hymn. Ms. Chrismarilene R. Cabataňa and Ms. Juliet Brioso trained the school Chorale and Angklung Ensemble respectively.

The ASEAN-UNESCO activity was done through the efforts of Araling Panlipunan teachers, headed by Mrs. Socorro Domingo, Department Head VI, under the supervision of Mr. Manaog and Mrs. Erni.

Following the event, all guests, including the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff, enjoyed a sumptuous lunch.