Written by Crystal Jade Meyer and Apple Jade Locutan
On January 16, 2026, King’s College of the Philippines became a meaningful learning space for aspiring educators across the Cordillera Administrative Region as it hosted the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE), Inc. – CAR Annual Students’ Congress. With the theme “Sulong, Guro! Preparing Future Educators for an Evolving Educational Leadership,” the congress gathered pre-service teachers who share a common goal of becoming competent, responsible, and future-ready educators. For the University of Baguio Pre-Service Teachers, the event strongly reflected the University’s STELA theme, “BEACON: Becoming Empowered Advocates of Competence and Outcome through Nurturing Learning Competencies.”
As future teachers guided by the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), the congress served as a bridge between what is learned in classrooms and what is expected to be done in real schools. It is a reminder that teaching is not only about delivering lessons but also about shaping lives, adapting to change, and committing to continuous growth. One participant shared, “This congress made me realize that being a teacher means never stopping to learn, even after graduation.”
The session on The Future of Teaching and the updates in the Teacher Education Program highlighted how the teaching profession continues to evolve. This discussion strongly aligned with PPST Domain 7 (Personal Growth and Professional Development) as it emphasized lifelong learning, openness to reforms, and self-improvement. As pre-service teachers, the aspirants were encouraged to see professional growth not as a requirement, but as a personal responsibility. This message resonated deeply with the BEACON vision of becoming empowered advocates of competence, serving as a reminder that effective teachers grow alongside their learners.
The sessions on Learner-Centered Pedagogies and Effective Strategies in Demonstration Teaching helped strengthen the participants’ readiness for internship. These discussions reflected PPST Domain 1 (Content Knowledge and Pedagogy), Domain 3 (Diversity of Learners), and Domain 4 (Curriculum and Planning). Each member present was reminded that every learner is different and that good teaching requires patience, creativity, and thoughtful planning. A participant reflected, “I realized that teaching is not about how smart the teacher is, but how well the students understand and feel included.” These insights helped to nurture appreciation for the importance of designing lessons that are inclusive, engaging, and meaningful.
The session on Navigating the K–12 Curriculum and DepEd’s Latest Enhancements deepened the participants’ understanding of policies and learner development. This aligned with PPST Domain 2 (Learning Environment) and Domain 6 (Community Linkages and Professional Engagement). It was a reminder that teaching goes beyond the classroom, and that teachers play a vital role in supporting learners, families, and the wider community. Understanding curriculum changes helps highlight the importance of being informed and responsible future educators who can adjust to national educational goals.
Discussions on Professional Communication, Confidence, Personal Branding, and Technology Integrated Assessment shaped our view of what it means to be a modern teacher. These sessions reflected PPST Domain 5 (Assessment and Reporting) and again Domain 7. Participannts learned that assessment should be fair, ethical, and supportive of learning, and that technology can be a helpful tool when used wisely. One participant shared, “I learned that how we carry ourselves as future teachers also matters, especially during internship.” These sessions showed us that professionalism, confidence, and proper use of technology are important in building trust and credibility as educators.
Throughout the event, the speakers repeatedly highlighted a profound message from Education Secretary Sonny Angara: “Our teachers are considered to be the heart of the educational system.” This sentiment served as a powerful reminder that the role of an educator is far too vital to ever be minimized. The speakers challenged these future educators to never use the word “lang” (just) when describing their vocation, as there is no such thing as “Teacher lang.” They emphasized that, as the heart of the system, the entire educational body depends on our pulse to survive. Without teachers, there would be no one to mold and shape the youth – the very foundation required to uplift the economy of the Philippines and build a prosperous future.
Collectively, our takeaway is clear: educators are called to become BEACONs—teachers who nurture learning competencies, uphold standards, and produce meaningful outcomes. Inspired by the congress and guided by the PPST, UB’s future teachers move forward ready to answer the call of “Sulong, Guro!”, prepared to serve, lead, and make a difference in the lives of our future learners.
