Administrators and educators at the University of Saint Louis recently engaged in a series of benchmarking activities, amplifying their steadfast commitment to identifying ways to leverage 21st century learning methods and creating and delivering sustainable learning experiences for their students.
On January 23-24, 2023, USL met with administrators and educators of Saint Louis College of San Fernando in La Union and Saint Louis University in Baguio City, which sought to study the One Basic Education structure, systems, practices, and facility set-ups of USL’s fellow CICM institutions.
Led by University President Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, the USL team was represented by Dr. Emmanuel James P. Pattaguan, VP for Academics; Dr. Rina M. Reyes, VP for Administration; Dr. Celso L. Tuddao, VP for Finance; Mrs. Claire T. Gumarang, SHS Principal; Ms. Mary Ann A. Baquiran, JHS Principal; and Dr. Emily T. Mabborang, Elementary Principal.
They were also joined by Dr. Lailanie V. Pattaguan, JHS Assistant Principal; Ms. Lourdes C. Batac, Elementary Assistant Principal; Mrs. Riza C. Calimag, JHS POD for G7 and G8; Ms. Lovelisa Calimag, Elementary Faculty; Engr. Roxan S. Coballes, PPMDO Director; and Ms. Alejandra Baby Belen, Alumni Affairs Officer.
USL also initiated a two-day benchmarking activity in several institutions in the National Capital Region, which was held on February 20-21, 2023. It sought to identify areas for improvement and discuss strategies for implementation in the 21st century learning environment.
On the first day, the Phoenix Publishing House organized a half-day seminar for the USL delegates about moving toward an IBEd school structure. Dr. Cynthia C. Arcadio, PAASCU Chair for the Integrated Basic Education Commission, was invited to deliver relevant knowledge and information on the above-mentioned topic.
The group eventually headed for the afternoon benchmarking session at the University of Santo Tomas-Communications Bureau Office. Director Philippe Jose S. Hernandez and Assistant Director Faye M. Abugan warmly welcomed and toured the group around their facilities. Best practices and strategies were shared and conferred among the group for reaching impressive multimedia structures and processes such as broadcasting operations, creative and production services, and other online media platforms.
On the second day, USL also visited Golden Faith Academy, a Christian School for basic education in Taytay, Rizal. Mrs. Nenita F. Cao, Executive Vice President/Trustee and School Directress; Mr. Carlos Ibarra Rev F. Cao, Deputy School Director/Trustee; and Mr. Carlos Jovito F. Cao, Academic Support Services Head/Trustee, presented the humble beginnings of their school up to where it is now.
Specifically, the following observations were elicited from our USL delegates:
Dr. Corpuz remarked, “With its young administrators and manpower, the school is so brave to do the unusual, all for the sound learning and development of its learners. I particularly love how they guide individual instruction for their elementary pupils to ensure that the foundational competencies are honed among them while training them to become self-directed or independent learners. Moreover, I also appreciate how they value their stakeholders, specifically their learners, as their feedback and experiences are utilized to come up with school decisions. The school may be young and physically small, but their teaching and learning processes are worth a benchmark that other schools must learn.”
“I learned a lot from the benchmarking activity with Golden Faith Academy School. Their instructional content that has undergone quality validation and assurance, professional development programs that are responsive to the needs of their faculty, functional professional learning communities that promote collaboration among teachers, alternative classroom learning experiences, and the school’s vibrant, smart, and passionate leaders are all inspiring and noteworthy,” shared Mrs. Aquino.
“The benchmark we just had at Golden Faith Academy is worth the long trip. As I have shared with the group, we were brought to the right humble school worthy of our respect and admiration for their 25th year of development. The simple but very innovative way of promoting their school is evidenced by the many enrollees, especially in their Senior High School. It is indeed very inspiring how the family owned school maintained discipline among all pupils and students. A salute to GFA,” said Mrs. Gumarang.
Dr. Mabborang also shared, “Powerful! The need for richer forms of education where information and knowledge work alongside the non-passive techniques, creativity, and analysis that matter in today’s learning processes is evident in GFA. I believe that the learning resources enable a mindset and culture of continuous improvement that impacts students’ attitudes toward school.”
It was joined by University President, Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang,CICM, together with Mrs. Luisa B. Aquino, Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Herbert S. Corpuz, SEAS Dean; Dr. Emily T. Mabborang, Elementary Principal; Ms. Mary A. Ann Baquiran, JHS Principal; Mrs. Claire T. Gumarang, SHS Principal; Dr. Rizza D. Velasco, University Marketing Officer; and Mr. Michael P. Caparas, Assistant Head of Multimedia Productions.
USL remains committed to improving and enriching the educational and Louisian experience for its students and stakeholders. Way to go, USL!
