Polytechnic University of the Philippines

CoEd, CS, CTHTM, and GPFF hold 4th IPEC

, News Bits, Volume 1, Issue 6, November 2012

The Global Peace Festival Foundation (GPFF) Philippines, together with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Education (CoEd), College of Science (CS), and College of Tourism Hospitality and Transportation Management (CTHTM) organized the 4th International Professors and Educators Conference (IPEC) held at the historic Manila Hotel, November 14 to16, 2012.

Honorable Nona S. Ricafort, CHED Commissioner David Yao, President GPFF Korea Arch. Felino Jun A. Palafox, Founder, Palafox Associates

This year’s IPEC theme is focused on: “Expanding the Culture of Heart for Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress.” The conference aimed at creating an avenue for academicians to discuss the implementation of a character-based program in the education system, the home, and the community, as well as create a dynamic synergy among educators committed to building a nation of character and peace centered on the vision of “One Family under God”—promoting everyone’s role as global citizens under one world.

Besides the three colleges of the University as co-organizers, the conference was also in close coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Participants from different parts of the country and South East Asia arrived on November 14. They were greeted by the reception and registration committee and ushered into their rooms at the Manila Hotel. On November 15, the participants attended the Opening Ceremony held at Tent City where the Honorable Nona S. Ricafort, CHED Commissioner, was the Keynote Speaker. An opening plenary session followed where the following topics and corresponding speakers were heard: “Culture of Heart and Its Implications to Society” by David Yao, President of GPFF Korea; “Society’s Role in Establishing a Culture of Heart in Politics, Business and Community” by Architect Felino “Jun” A. Palafox, Jr., principal architect, urban planner and founder of Palafox Associates and President of Management Association of the Philippines; “GPFF’s Philosophy of Education” by Dr. Federico V. Niduasa, International Lecturer for Global Peace and Harmony, GPFF Philippines; “The Role of Basic Education in the Expansion of the Culture of Heart for Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress” by Dr. Dinah F. Mindo, former Regional Director, DepEd Region 3 and Chairman, Character-Based Education Program, GPFF Philippines; “The Role of Higher Education in the Expansion of the Culture of Heart for Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress” by Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges; “The Role of International Educators in Expanding the Culture of Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress” by Dr. Emerlinda Ramos-Roman, President Emeritus of the University of the Philippines, Professor at UP College of Business Administration; “The Role of Women in Establishing the Culture of Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress” by Dr. Leonida “Baby”Ortiz, Chairman of the Service for Peace and National Treasurer of the Philippine National Red Cross; “The Role of the Young People in the Expansion of the Culture of Peace and Unity Towards Economic Progress” by Dr. Michael G. Zablan, President, GPFF Philippines. The masters of ceremonies for the morning and afternoon sessions were Dr. Milagrina A. Gomez, Dean of PUP College of Education, and Dr. Zenaida R. Sarmiento, Dean of PUP College of Science.

Noted personalities in the education sector, politicians and businessmen graced the conference to talk about their views on the thrusts of the GPFF in the concurrent sessions held on November 16 at the Fiesta Pavillon of the Manila Hotel. The concurrent sessions were facilitated by: Dr. Ma. Junithesmer D. Rosales, Chairperson, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, PUP-CoED (Session1); Dr. Rovelina B. Jacolbia, Chairperson, Department of Business Teacher Education, PUP-CoED (Session 2); Dr. Lourdes V. Alvarez, Chairperson, Department of Biology, PUP-CS (Session 3); Dr. Evelyn M. Matchete, Chairperson, Department of Physical Sciences, PUPCS (Session 4); and Dr. Zenaida R. Sarmiento, Dean, PUP-CS (Session 5). The five sessions elaborated on the following themes: “Character-Based Education: Foundation in Developing a Nation of Character” (Session 1); “Peace Education and the Transformation of the Nation” (Session2); “Society’s Role in Establishing a Culture of Heart in Politics, Business, and Community”(Session 3); “Expanding the Culture of Heart in Interfaith Harmony”(Session 4); and “Character Counts!: Character Education as an Integral Part of Youth Leadership” (Session 5).

Meanwhile, the College of Tourism Hotel and Restaurant Management students and faculty took care of the management of the venue. CTHTM is headed by its Dean Prof. Shiela Ganchero. The event’s success is also attributed to the able and steadfast leadership of Dr. Samuel M. Salvador, PUP Vice President for Academic Affairs who has been supporting the GPFF since the 1st IPEC.