Educators convene for a Training the Trainers education workshop in the Philippines
In a groundbreaking move to reshape education in the Ilocos Region, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I, in partnership with Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines and with the support of Bless Microfinance Corporation (BMC), successfully conducted Phase 1 of the Training of Trainers for the program “Creating a Model of Transforming Education with Lifelong Character and Holistic Development.” Held from December 4-6, 2024, at J&V Hotel and Resortin San Fernando City, La Union, the event convened 81 top education leaders from across the region.
The initiative, co-organized with DepEd Region I’s Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), was led by Regional Director Tony Aquino and HRDD Chief Dinah Bonao, with the support of Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President for Education at GPF and Ann Montejo, Education Director at GPF Philippines. Key attendees included Assistant Regional Director Rhoda Razon, regional education supervisors, school division superintendents, assistant superintendents, and district and school heads from the region’s 14 Schools Division Offices.
The three-day intensive training was designed to equip education leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to drive transformative change in schools and communities. A key focus of the program was Character Formation and Holistic Development, which aimed to empower educators to nurture academic excellence and moral and social growth among students. Another central theme was Leadership and Values-Based Peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of ethical and innovative leadership in shaping future generations. Additionally, the training highlighted Partnership Development, encouraging collaboration among key stakeholders to foster sustainable educational reform. Participants gained valuable insights and practical approaches to creating meaningful and lasting impact in the education sector through these core themes.
Dr. Tony Devine gives a presentation on the Transforming Education framework
Dr. Tony Devine introduced GPF’s ‘Transforming Education Framework,’ laying the foundation for a new vision in learning. GPF works with educators, policymakers, and communities through this framework to integrate holistic development into school curricula, emphasizing ethical leadership, peacebuilding, and collaborative problem-solving. Director Marge Ballesteros, a 2024 Global Peace Awardee, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on ‘Moral and Innovative Leadership in Partnership Development,’ highlighting the need for unified efforts in driving educational change. Director Ann Montejo led an engaging session on GPF’s values-based approach to peacebuilding, emphasizing the role of ethical leadership within schools and communities. To ensure the practical application of these concepts, Education Program Coordinator Mary Grace Rago facilitated interactive activities designed to reinforce key learning objectives.
Participants showcased their commitment to the program’s mission by developing a ‘10-week Personal Transformation Challenge’ to enhance their leadership and personal growth. They also collaborated to create Division-Level Transformative Action Plans, ensuring the effective implementation of the Transforming Education Framework in their respective jurisdictions.
Regional Director Tony Aquino highlighted the significance of this initiative in redefining education within Region I. He emphasized that the program seeks to equip educators with essential skills and knowledge and instill values-driven leadership, ensuring sustainable educational transformation.
Serving over 4.5 million learners across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, DepEd Region I has long been committed to providing quality, accessible, and inclusive education. This pioneering initiative further solidifies its reputation as a leader in educational excellence, fostering leadership, innovation, and community engagement among educators and students. This initiative strengthens DepEd Region I’s commitment to holistic education and sets a benchmark for other regions, ensuring the preparation of the next generation of Filipino leaders.
GPF is dedicated to transforming education by fostering moral and innovative leadership, character formation, and values-based learning. By implementing training programs, encouraging public-private partnerships, and promoting inclusive education models, GPF equips educators with the tools to inspire lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.
For more information on GPF’s work in transforming education, visit Global Peace Foundation – Transforming Education
