Archive

  • ISPSC strengthens global citizenship education through ASEAN webinar

    Faculty members of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) participated in the webinar “Global Citizenship in an ASEAN Context: Preparing Students for an Interconnected World” on August 26, 2026, as part of the College’s observance of ASEAN Month 2026.

    The webinar was organized to deepen faculty members’ understanding of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) within the ASEAN context. The program was led by Dr. Jonathan L. Dela Cruz, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Geremy G. Sanchez, Director for Instruction, Mr. Loyd Angelo M. Diana, Chief of Global Citizenship Education and Dr. Alma M. Pasahol, Chief of Instructional Materials Development. 

    The activity featured Dr. Cristeta C. Dulos, Director of Global Citizenship Education at the Office of Local and International Affairs of Pangasinan State University, as the resource speaker. Dr. Dulos led the discussion proper for the morning session, providing insights on the role of education in developing globally minded learners equipped to engage meaningfully with diverse communities and respond to emerging challenges in an increasingly interconnected society.

    The webinar also highlighted practical ways by which ISPSC can embed ASEAN integration and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) across its polytechnic programs. Dr. Juan Primitivo P. Petrola, Director for Presidential Management Office of Pangasinan State University, and the speaker for the afternoon session, emphasized the development of “glocal” graduates where learners remain responsive to the needs of Ilocos Sur while possessing the skills, cultural awareness, digital competencies, entrepreneurial mindset, and adaptability needed to work and compete within ASEAN and beyond. This can be achieved through community- and industry-based projects, virtual exchanges, industry partnerships, authentic assessments, and exposure to ASEAN cultures, technologies, and opportunities across Agriculture, Trades, Information Technology, and Teacher Education.

    Likewise, the College’s multi-campus structure and extension and research initiatives can serve as platforms for building ASEAN connections. Each campus may develop focused areas of strength and identify local challenges that have counterparts in partner higher education institutions abroad. By linking campuses with ASEAN institutions facing similar concerns, students and faculty can collaborate on regional issues such as climate resilience, food security, sustainability, and technological development from a global perspective.

    The discussion also pointed to the need for context-responsive indicators for mainstreaming GCED. Rather than adopting a single approach for all campuses, GCED initiatives and performance indicators may be aligned with each campus’s flagship programs, community needs, and local environment, while contributing to the broader four-fold functions of SUCs.

    For GCED to become part of the institutional culture, the webinar underscored the importance of mindset and political will. Global citizenship begins within the institution itself, requiring educators and members of the academic community to consciously cultivate openness, responsibility, intercultural understanding, and a willingness to act on global and local concerns.

    The webinar forms part of ISPSC’s initiatives for ASEAN Month 2026, highlighting the importance of education in strengthening regional understanding and cultivating a generation of learners capable of navigating an interconnected ASEAN and global community.

    #ISPSC
    #UniversityofIlocosPhilippines
    #OnwardsUIP