Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully implementing the SEA-Teachers Project Batch 10. This initiative, a collaboration with Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) and spearheaded by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), highlights DEBESMSCAT’s dedication to advancing teacher education and forging international partnerships across Southeast Asia.
Under the leadership of DEBESMSCAT SUC President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, the institution hosted three student teachers from UNJ, Indonesia, for a three-week teaching internship and cultural immersion program. With support from the Department of Education (DepEd)- Masbate Province, these student teachers were deployed to Cabitan Central School and Federico A. Estipona Memorial High School (FAEMHS), where they gained hands-on teaching experience in Elementary Education, Mathematics and Social Studies Education while sharing their expertise with Filipino students, pre-service teachers and cooperating teachers.
Beyond classroom teaching, the program offered opportunities for cultural exchange and exploration. The student teachers visited Masbate City’s scenic attractions, including the renowned Mangrovetum, Sese Brahmans Ranch, Beaches, and the picturesque landscapes of Mandaon. They also immersed themselves in Filipino traditions by attending the Pamasayan Festival, enjoying local dances, and sampling traditional cuisine at local markets—experiences that deepened their appreciation for Philippine culture.
The program concluded with a closing ceremony on March 21, 2025, attended by key officials of the institution including Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr., Vice President for Research and Extension; Dr. Bernard M. Barruga, Dean of Graduate School; Dr. Raiza M. Padasas, Dean of the College of Education; and Ms. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo, International Relations Officer. Representatives from DepEd Masbate Province, school heads, faculty members, and students also joined the event to celebrate this successful collaboration. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were awarded to the participants in recognition of their contributions to the program.
In their farewell messages, the inbound student teachers expressed heartfelt gratitude to DEBESMSCAT for its warm hospitality and support throughout their stay. They reflected on how the program enriched their understanding of Philippine culture and education systems while honing their teaching skills in a cross-cultural setting. The activity concluded with the evaluation facilitated by Ms. Nikki Faith A. Bantillo to enhance further the implementation of succeeding participation of DEBESMSCAT to the SEA-Teacher Project.
The successful implementation of SEA-Teachers Batch 10 at DEBESMSCAT exemplifies how international collaborations can develop professional growth among educators while promoting cultural understanding. This achievement not only strengthens regional ties but also prepares future educators to excel in diverse teaching environments—a testament to SEAMEO’s vision of building a community of globally competent educators.
Ladies and gentlemen,
