MSUMag Engages OPEN Pathways at AE Alumni Convention
MSU-Maguindanao participated in the American English (AE) Alumni Philippines Annual Convention on February 8-9, 2025, at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila. With the theme “OPEN Pathways: Building Communities of Practice through OPEN Collaboration Across the Philippines and Beyond,” the convention brought together 100 participants from across the country. The convention was fully-funded by the U.S. Embassy, Regional English Language Office (RELO), headed by Mr. Jeff Mcllevena, and organized by the American English Alumni Association of the Philippines, Inc. (AEAAP), led by Dr. Michenelle Vigil-Rivo. It provided a platform for participants to collaborate, share best practices, and present research within their established Communities of Practice and interest groups.
Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona supports and recognizes the value of continuous learning and collaboration in improving English language education. She emphasized that English educators play a pivotal role in advancing English proficiency and ensuring they remain active contributors to the growth of the English education community.
Mr. Jeff Mcllevena, the RELO Officer, emphasized that participants possess the knowledge to help students and educators, particularly alumni in American English. “We at the RELO, we view potential teachers and participants in two ways: we have our established leaders, and you are among them. That’s why we were able to support this convention and offer as much as we can, so you can use your knowledge to help others improve English language education, enhance students’ communicative abilities, and guide the next generation of teachers and instructors. We regard you as the emerging voices of education,” he ended.
Similarly, Dr. Rivo, President of AEAAP, stated that strengthening connections in English language education perfectly reflects their mission, which is to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and create opportunities that transcend borders.
–
As part of the alumni of U.S. Embassy-supported English programs, the educators play a crucial role in expanding access to quality English education by mentoring new teachers and cascading knowledge to wider networks. AEAAP, officially incorporated in September 2023, connects alumni from ECA-funded exchanges, Access teacher trainings, and AE Online Professional English Network (OPEN) courses. It provides a platform for sustained professional growth, peer support, and leadership development. By fostering collaboration among experienced and emerging educators, AEAAP strengthens the long-term impact of U.S. government-sponsored English programs in the Philippines.
To learn more about the OPEN program, visit: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/OPEN-Program
#FriendsPartnersAllies
#PartnersInProsperity
#U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
#AEAlumniPh
#MSUMag
#MagMSU