The Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE) Region IX conducted its first regional convention in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on August 20-21, 2010 at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. This year’s theme is “Harmonizing TEI Programs with DepEd Curricular Reforms”, focusing on how Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) can attune their training and instruction to the recent demands in education.
Amor Q. de Torres, PAFTE National President (seated, second from left)
A total of 33 teachers and administrators and 155 students from different divisions in the region registered in the said event. The convention was also graced by Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Celso L. Lobregat, who gave the welcome remarks; Dr. Emmylou B. Yanga, Regional Director of CHEDRO IX; Dr. Dolores B. Alcantara, Schools Divisions Superintendent of DepEd; Dr. Amor Q. de Torres, TEC Zonal Representative for Mindanao; PAFTE officers and board of directors. Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, the present PAFTE President for Region IX, gave the statements of purpose of this event: first, for TEIs to be attuned with the DepEd curricular reforms and demands of time; and second, to revive the role of PAFTE Region IX in addressing varying education-related aspects.
The convention also served as a venue for the induction of PAFTE Region IX officers and directors.
A socialization night, highlighting Zamboanga’s rich culture, was held to cap the first day, which was sponsored by the City Mayor’s Office.
