The Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy (PCCED) in partnership with the Institute of Political Economy (IPE) – University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) organized the Third National Conference on Civic Education for Social Studies Supervisors (ConCESSS). This yearly conference co-organized by PCCED and the UA&P gathers social studies supervisors and educators all over the Philippines to present new ideas for strengthening education for democracy in every classroom in the Philippines. This year conferences’ theme is “Exploring Strategy in fostering Democratic Classrooms was held at the UA&P’s Telengtan Hall last July 8-10, 2010. The theme was chosen to present the gradual shift from the teacher-centric modes of teaching to a more democratic, constructivist means of teaching in the Philippine education system.

The conference featured various resource speakers who are knowledgeable in civic education in the Philippines.  Dr. Clement Camposano, the Director of the Institute of Political Economy at the UA&P, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for an enriching discourse as regards the typical practices in teaching and challenges our educators to be truly democratic in their ways of teaching. Dr. Paul Dumol, also a professor at the University discussed in his talk, the attributes of a democratic citizen-critical thinker and communicator, team worker and leader. He emphasized that there are still obstacles which impede the development of true democratic citizens.

Next, Dr. Golo of the School of Education asserted that the growth and development of teachers as educators and promoters of true citizenship influences the growth and development of students. Dr. Angelito Antonio discussed the Universal Design of Democratic Classrooms which centered on the inclusivity of education.  He explained that all the stakeholders should play a part in creating the inclusive environment of Philippine education.

Prof. Rita Bumanglag-Ruscoe, an expert on curriculum from the Philippine Normal University (PNU), stressed that the hidden curriculum, is a big part in building civic education and awareness to the students. Dr. Ferdinand Pingul with Miss Monica Ang, both board members of PCCED discussed the Project Citizen and the Democracy Camp, respectively. The former explained how Project Citizen (PC), a PCCED organized project, built civic awareness with secondary school students. Miss Monica Ang, on the other hand, gave a discussion on how the Democracy Camp shaped responsible citizenship through the participation of high school students.

Dr. Amelita de Mesa, the principal of Emilio Aguinaldo High School in Manila discussed the Portrait of Filipino Classrooms. She claimed that the quality of Philippine education is declining as exemplified by the current methods used by public school teachers. She adds that constructivism is still not yet fully utilized as classroom activities are still teacher controlled. While the portrait of classrooms was discussed by Dr. De Mesa, Ms Carmen Hicap, together with DepEd Muntinlupa teachers, shared experiences in implementing democratic type of classrooms and their contribution to civic education in their locality. Their experience served as the best practices model of civic education in the Philippines.

Aside from social studies supervisors from different regions all over the country,  the conference also included attendees from various private schools, such as De Lasalle Zobel, PAREF-Southridge and other educational organizations like the Bulwagang Filipino and the Philippine Arts and Culture Educators Society.

At the last day of the conference, the participants had the chance to share their thoughts and comments about the event. The delegates affirmed that the seminar gave them new ideas about democratic classrooms.

-Mark Andrew V. Nimeno