CEAS Pins 269 Pre-service Educators in 18th Convocation Ceremony

SMX Convention Center — The College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS) marked a milestone in the journey of its future educators during the 18th Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony last December 3, Wednesday, as the student teachers became full fledged practice teachers.

This year’s cohort included a total of 269 student teachers across various programs: 22 from Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAEd), 17 from Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED), 50 from Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), 42 from Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), and 138 from Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) who are deployed in various public and private schools across Olongapo City.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Darwin Paguio, OIC-Dean of the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS), emphasized Gordon College’s commitment to transferring theory learned in the classroom onto the field. He highlighted how CEAS’s education programs ensure that every deployed student teacher is academically prepared within the “four corners of the classroom” and fully ready to apply these theories once they step into real teaching environments.

Following this is the ceremonial passing of the Torch and Book of Wisdom, carried by Mr. Kristoffer Obispo and Ms. Juanalyn Olaguer, respectively. “The torch has been an important symbol since early civilization,” said Dr. Catherine Mobo as the torch is lit, explaining that it embodies the “light of tomorrow” that educators carry into the lives of learners. Meanwhile, Ms. Agnes Melo presented the Book of Wisdom, reminding the future educators that “its pages hold not only theories but the hopes and futures of learners we are called to guide.”

Delivering the keynote speech, Ms. Ilynne Samonte, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, shared five heartfelt “pabaon” from her own internship journey at Philippine Normal University (PNU). She shared lessons she hopes the student teachers will carry into their practicum from the significance of being on time to the importance of taking care of oneself.

She also reminded the attendees of their future roles in public service, expressing her confidence that many of the candidates would one day serve in the Department of Education: “Most of you, if not all of you, will join us at DepEd sooner or later… Sabi nga, hindi pwede ang ‘pwede na.’ Ultimately, that will be your contribution to your community and your country.”

The 269 student teachers were ceremoniously pinned by their guardians with an official teacher’s nameplate. Their designated resource teachers — tenured teachers in their deployed school who have guided them — also passed the flames of their candle onto the wicks of their student teacher’s candle.

Solemn tears were shed at SMX as an audio-visual presentation was shown with photos from their college journey set to Ben & Ben’s hit song “Saranggola”. “Sa’n man tayo hipan ng amihan, hindi ipagpapalit ang pagkakaibigan,” the song played as numerous iconic moments through the years flashed on screen.

Emotions further deepened as the student teachers sang a musical tribute of “MAPA” by SB19 as they gifted a rose to their parents whose support made the milestone possible.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Samuel Felip D. Fastidio, Field Study Supervisor and Program Chair of the BPEd Program, who congratulated the candidates and encouraged them to carry their symbols—torch, book, and candle—with a purpose as they step into the teaching profession as Gordon College’s newest teaching interns.

After hours of classroom observation in their field study, the 269 student teachers who are deployed in various schools will now formally step into their practicum as they take over their respective school classrooms. | via Love Lorraine Acedo & Lance Isaac Leon, The FOREFRONT

Photos by Jasmine Shameer Bañaga

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