Albeit virtually, the Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed Singapore’s Minister of Education and the current President of the SEAMEO Council (SEAMEC), H.E. Chan Chun Sing in his first-ever visit to the country.
During the engagement, Philippine Education Secretary and SEAMEC Vice President Leonor Magtolis Briones and SEAMEC President H.E. Chan Chun Sing discussed education issues and challenges faced by both countries and the region.
The issues discussed included the Future of Education and Aspirations for the 21st Century Skills toward sustainability and resilience; the 21st Century Competencies comprising mental health, emotional resilience, communication; Capacity of structures, physical space, and transforming teaching; and Building Sense of Identity among the young generation.
“Valuable recommendations were exchanged, including online learning, provision of more time and resources for teachers to focus on students with higher needs, and adoption of the strategy of bringing schools to people rather than bringing people back to school to re-train the entire workforce and teachers,” DepEd said in a statement.
Meanwhile, H.E. Chan Chun Sing highlighted the opportunity of scholarship and youth exchange programs between Singapore and other SEAMEO Member countries, as well as the invitation for teachers and education personnel from the Philippines to attend Professional Development and Exchange programs at the Singapore National Institute of Education (NIE).
The SEAMEC President was also introduced to the management team and work of two SEAMEO Centres in the Philippines, SEAMEO INNOTECH and SEAMEO SEARCA.
The virtual visit was part of the activities of the SEAMEO Council President to visit SEAMEO Centres around the region for a dialogue to provide new directions and pave the path for opportunities for collaboration.
In 2023, the Philippines shall be the President of the SEAMEO Council and shall host the SEAMEO Council Conference.