Bicol University BEED Students Embark on GCED Mentoring Program with Foundational Workshop

Legazpi City, Philippines — January 22, 2025 — The Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) students from the Bicol University College of Education officially commenced their participation in the Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Mentoring Program with the successful conduct of Workshop Day 1: Foundations of GCED, held at the BUCE Demonstration Hall.

The workshop marked the beginning of an important journey for future educators as they prepared to integrate the principles and themes of GCED into their professional practice. Designed to build foundational knowledge and contextual understanding, the session was filled with dynamic learning activities and reflective discussions aimed at fostering globally aware and responsible educators.

The day began with a Welcome and Orientation, during which program facilitators outlined the goals and expectations of the mentoring journey. This was followed by a keynote presentation by Dr. Rebecca Rosario O. Bercasio, Director of the Bicol University Center for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Bercasio delivered a comprehensive and inspiring talk on the core concepts, principles, and global relevance of GCED, emphasizing its role in promoting peace, sustainability, human rights, and cultural understanding in education.

A Contextualizing GCED Workshop provided participants with the opportunity to explore the local-global connection and consider practical strategies for embedding GCED themes into their future lessons. Through group activities and collaborative exercises, students reflected on how to align their teaching with the broader goals of global citizenship.

To conclude the session, Mr. Sixto Osia Orzales from the Early and Late Childhood Department facilitated a Reflection and Sharing session. Students enthusiastically shared their insights, takeaways, and initial ideas for applying GCED concepts in their own classroom settings.

The workshop showcased the students’ strong commitment and enthusiasm for transformative teaching, setting a promising tone for the rest of the GCED Mentoring Program.

Organizers expressed optimism for the program’s potential to develop socially responsible and globally competent educators. As the program continues, participating students are expected to deepen their engagement with GCED and contribute meaningfully to the development of inclusive and empowered learning communities.

The GCED Mentoring Program is part of Bicol University’s ongoing efforts to support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and to cultivate 21st-century competencies among future educators.