Former Vice President and lawyer Maria Leonor 鈥淟eni鈥� Robredo delivered the 38th Fr. Antonio Gonzales, O.P Memorial Lecture, held at Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building last April 19.
Organized by the Department of Secondary Education, the occasion served as the initial salvo leading to the fortnight-long 98th Founding Anniversary of the College of Education, with the theme 鈥淓duGREATat98: Gratitude, Resilience and Excellence Amidst Transitions.鈥�
In his Opening Remarks, Asst. Prof. John Christian C. Valeroso, LPT, PhD, chair of the Department of Secondary Education pointed out that beyond the original meaning of LPT, or Licensed Professional Teacher, it should mean 鈥淟eader na may Pagmamahal sa Tao,鈥� reflecting the true role of teachers in our society.
Robredo expressed that it is humbling to be given a 鈥渃hance to share with you our lived experiences as we strive to contribute in achieving the fulfillment of our hopes, particularly through our education initiatives.鈥�
鈥淢aliit lang naman po ang mga education initiatives namin, pero 鈥榶ung aming aspiration ay sana kahit paano maka-contribute to the transformation of our educational system,鈥� she said.
The 14th vice president of the country mentioned 鈥渋nvitations from academic institutions, think tanks, and organizations who have taken a special interest on hearing the Filipino story.鈥�
These include the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in New York, USA, the Asia Society Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland, and the Rockefeller Foundation in Bellagio, Italy.
Robredo, chairperson and president of Angat Buhay: Partnerships Against Poverty, related volunteers鈥� efforts in building makeshift classrooms for early grade learners, putting up dormitories in public high schools, after finding out that students drop out because they live far from the school, training parents to install backyard farming so their children will eat nutritious food.
Ending her lecture 鈥楥ommunity and our shared dreams for the Filipino youth,鈥� Robredo said she chose to keep faith in the Filipino solidarity and is looking forward to a partnership with the College of Education and the whole Thomasian community.
Assoc. Prof. Jeremaiah Opiniano, PhD, director of UST Research Center for Social Sciences and Education, Prof. Clarita Carillo, LPT, PhD, Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Quality Management, and Ms. Ma. Bianca Lourize V. Franco, president of Student Teachers’ Association of University of Santo Tomas served as reactors.
In her Closing Remarks, College of Education Dean Assoc. Prof. Pilar Romero, LPT, PhD, revealed that 鈥淟iwanag sa Dilim,鈥� a song popular during the campaign for the last national elections, resonated 鈥渨ith us not only because it was our anthem, but because it speaks of our core, that as Thomasians we are called to bring the light of truth to dispel the darkness of ignorance.鈥�
The events for the College of Education鈥檚 98th Foundation Anniversary lasted from April 19 to May 14.
