With the aim to uphold the delivery of high-quality instruction to SorSUeno students, particularly in the ten general education courses, a total of eighty-six (86) Sorsogon State University (SorSU) professors and instructors across four campuses engaged and accomplished the one-day ’Faculty Training on General Education Courses (GEC)’ organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) today, January 25, 2024, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
The training-workshop formally commenced with a welcome message from Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs), wherein the VPAA also discussed the mechanics and general orientation of the training-workshop afterward.
“The aim of this curriculum [GEC], as stipulated in CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, Series of 2013, is to expose students to various domains of knowledge and ways of comprehending social and natural realities. It specifically targets competency-based outcomes, such as intellectual competencies, personal and civic responsibilities, and practical skills, in addition to major subjects taken by our student.”
“To achieve these objectives, CHED mandates that all faculty who will handle or teach GEC core courses, including elective courses, must undergo training.”
Dr. Ricafort also noted that the training included two areas for academic courses handling Social Sciences and Philosophy, which are Gender and Society and Philippine Indigenous Communities, specifically for Filipino teachers, wherein the VPAA emphasized the need to reskill and upskill Filipino teachers in response to the Supreme Court ruling about the exclusion of Filipino and Panitikan in GEC subjects at tertiary levels.
Divided into designated breakout rooms per General Education subject, the participants were equipped with the concepts of GE core courses, as well as teaching strategies, methods, and various activities. Additionally, the participants further undertook a series of workshops and/or assignments as required by their respective trainers.
The faculty training was led by fifteen (15) esteemed GEC trainers, namely: Prof. Maria Crisanta M. Jarque for The Contemporary World; Prof. Maria Gina J. Mendones for Life and Works of Rizal; Ms. Cyra Mae R. Soreda & Mr. Elden G. Orgela for Science, Technology and Society; Mr. Bleake Edmund L. De Guzman for Ethics; Dr. Virginia P. Atutubo for Understanding the Self; Prof. Jerome B. Gigantoca & Mr. Deo L. Geocada for Readings in the Philippine History; Ms. Ritzi C. Fullente for Art Appreciation; Prof. Christine D. Romorosa & Ms. Mabel E. Duka for Purposive Communication; Dr. Felino S. Jasmin, Jr. & Ms. Glady Joy M. Mella for Gender and Society; and Ms. Justeen Frances D. Manuel for Philippine Indigenous Communities.
The GEC training culminated with the closing remarks from Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus), expressing his appreciation to the OVPAA for organizing the one-day faculty training, the competent General Education trainers for sharing their knowledge and expertise, as well as the participants for their active involvement.
“I would like to thank all the participants for their active participation, cooperation, and their commitment to excellence. It is through your collective efforts that we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. And lastly, to the organizer, trainers, secretariat, and experts, my heartfelt gratitude. Your shared expertise and insights will enhance the participants’ understanding of the GEC and its importance in the overall development of our students.” (SorSU PIO)