MSUMag Joins U.S. Embassy Training for University-Level English Language Educators in Mindanao

#MSUMag | Mindanao State University-Maguindanao participated in the U.S. Embassy Training for University-Level English Language Educators in Mindanao, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Manila in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation Inc., led by Dr. Milwida Guevara, President and CEO. The event was organized by the Regional English Language Office, headed by Dr. Carleen Velez, the Regional English Language Officer, and attended by Prof. Arlyn Traspe and Ms. Honey Grace T. Magsayo, representatives of the University. It took place on May 15-19, 2023, at the Guardino Function Room, Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

The U.S. Embassy Training for University-Level English Language Educators in Mindanao served as a comprehensive five-day pedagogical workshop exclusively tailored for English Language educators from across the Mindanao region. The workshop was designed to enhance English language teaching skills and foster stronger cross-cultural understanding, with a focus on U.S. culture among language educators in Mindanao, Philippines.

Ma’am Donna M. Brinton and Dr. Jan Frodesen, two eminent English Language Specialists, brought their expertise to bear in conducting a five-day intensive training workshop for English teachers in Mindanao. Their invaluable contributions formed an integral part of this intensive training program. They are authors and have co-authored several published English language textbooks as well as numerous journal and book articles.

This highly regarded training was attended by representatives from fifteen universities in Mindanao, including MSU-General Santos, MSU-IIT, MSU-TCTO, Notre Dame of Jolo College, Notre Dame of Marbel University, Sultan Kudarat State University, Ateneo De Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Bukidnon State University, Caraga State University, Surigao del Norte State University, Philippine Normal University – Mindanao, and North Eastern Mindanao State University. The participation of these state universities further exemplifies their commitment to enhancing the quality of English language education in Mindanao.

On May 17, Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, honored the occasion with a brief visit. During the workshop, she had a meeting with the participants and expressed the commitment of the United States to collaborate with Philippine partners in supporting the advancement of quality education. Further, Ambassador Carlson accentuated the significance of a strong educational system as the cornerstone for prosperity and growth.

Evidently, the training has garnered significant attention and widespread recognition. It has been featured on the official websites of the U.S. Embassy Manila and the Philippine News Agency, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering educational excellence in the region.

The culmination of the training witnessed the presentation of Certificates of Completion to all participants accompanied by relevant learning materials. The valuable knowledge and skills acquired during the training will be disseminated by the participants among fellow teachers in their respective communities, thereby expanding the scope of quality education for Filipino students. In addition, these participants are anticipated to lead follow-on training sessions with their colleagues in their local communities further reinforcing professional growth.

MSU-Maguindanao headed by Chancellor Limbona extends its appreciation to the U.S. Embassy Manila, Synergeia Foundation Inc., and the Regional English Language Office for their dedication to promoting excellence in English language education in Mindanao. The University is honored to have participated in the training and remains committed to the continual improvement of English language teaching and learning in the region.

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